Rituals for Unwinding
How do you unwind? Relaxation is becoming increasingly important to me as I consider stress’ impact on my health. I struggle with high blood pressure and take medication to control it. That does keep it in check but I also use holistic practices to help reprogram my type AA personality.
Here are a few things I do to unwind.
- I stopped watching the news at the suggestion of Dr. Andrew Weil in this book and I have never regretted the decision. If something enormous happens, someone will tell me, but otherwise, I don’t need to know. Most local news is simply crime reporting which I find depressing and sad. If I need to know world events I can get a quick update from the internet.
- I listen to classical or spa music at home. This is my favorite soothing CD which plays on a loop in my car.
- I buy fresh flowers for myself each week because having beauty around me is relaxing.
- I’ve just rediscovered the joy of immersing myself in a fun novel. My latest are by Fiona Davis. I just finished The Address and loved it! It’s historical fiction about the famous Dakota in New York City. I dreaded coming to the end so quickly ordered The Dollhouse which is about the glamorous Barbizon Hotel for women, set in the 1950’s and present day. I like her writing so much I just bought her latest book, The Masterpiece, which is about Grand Central Station in the 1920’s and 1070’s. Sadly, those are the only 3 books she’s written so I am open for suggestions:)
- I am writing in a gratitude journal each morning, taking time to meditate and diffusing essential oils.
camping - My newest ritual has been to get up before the sun, light a candle and sit quietly enjoying my tea. There’s something very soothing about watching the world wake up. I like how it sets the mood for my day and find it helps me be more productive.
- I burn candles. Most evenings you’ll find candles burning on my mantle, coffee table, and end table. I find them soothing plus everything looks better by candlelight.
I recently found what may be the healthiest candles around. The owner reached out to me and after I read her story and tried her candles, I wanted to share them with you. This is not a sponsored post.
Rebecca is a breast cancer survivor who stopped burning candles because of their toxins. She missed enjoying the ritual of burning a candle so in 2014 created a safer alternative and started Sanari Candles.
These special candles are made from organic coconut wax and non-GMO soy wax which is sourced from organic farmers who use sustainable sources. It turns out that good old coconut wax is one of the safest waxes to burn, plus its renewable and environmentally friendly.
She mixes in pure essential oils for the full aromatherapy effect. The wick is a wide unbleached cotton which burns cleanly and evenly, creating a triangular glow. The candles are hand-poured into a recycled stemless wine glasses. How’s that for environmentally friendly?
Rebecca has generously offered to give my readers a 25% discount with the code LIFE25 at checkout, which is good until 9/30/18.
She has also generously offered to give away a 16 oz candle to one of my readers. My favorite fragrance so far is this Pompelo which is a blend of Douglas Fir, Chamomile, and Lavender. So soothing!
To win the candle, simply pop over here and see which blend sounds yummiest to you, Then come back and leave it in the comments. I will pick a winner at random.
How do you unwind?
This giveaway is now closed.
Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!
Affiliate link within this post may generate income for AWSL
Biscotti – Vanilla Bean, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon! Sounds good enough to eat!
They do????
Citrus Herbal. I love anything citrus!
Fresco!
Citrus herbal sounds wonderful! Thanks for great articles!
I think my favorite is Aria.
What a great find with these plant based candles! Thank you for sharing. So many fragrances to choose from. I am leaning toward the Biscotti or Sorbetto. I want to try them all!
I think I do too!
Jennifer, I agree with you that Pompelo sounds great, but since she’s out of stock on that one now, I would choose Aria with tangerine, Ylan Ylang and lavender (gotta have lavender!) as a second choice. Thanks for giving us this new source.
I want to live in a lavender field so I agree!!
Anything with vanilla sounds beautiful! I usually pick that for any candle I use. Love the idea that these are natural!
Wow, these candles sound amazing….The Aria candle seems to be the one for me. I will be ordering some as gifts for the upcoming holidays and of course for me too!!!
I love your blog and I am so thankful and grateful for your willingness to be open and transparent with all of us…
Thanks ❤️
Thank you Mo! I love my readers and feel blessed you’re here sharing with me.
Granita!
I think the Bosco scent sounds divine! As for my self-care, I meditate every day, listen to Marconi Union “Weightless” song (anti-anxiety), exercise, and eat well.
I haven’t heard that one. Checking for it!
Bosch would be my choice. Love your blog.
Salam would be my first choice of candle fragrance, although it’s difficult to choose!
You have developed some great methods for relaxing, Jennifer! I agree with you that the morning hours are a great time to reflect and be grateful for my many blessings. The world is still quiet and I can enjoy looking at the plants, birds, and any other creatures that are starting to move around outdoors. Along with a good cup of coffee, the early mornings truly allow me to more fully appreciate my new world of retirement!
Salam sounds so good! Gratitude is eye and heart opening
Hi Jennifer! Pompelmo sounds wonderful! I try to unwind with baths, or sitting with the dog curled up in bed with a good book.
Sounds wonderful. I will get back to my warm baths when the weather cools off.
Sorbetto. What a lovely collection of candles. Thanks for sharing all of your relaxation tips.
Hi Jennifer. I enjoy candles also but not heavy perfumey ones. I looked at the Sanari website and thought Granita sounded interesting.
Is there a book club in the community where you are living? They can be good sources for new titles and stimulating conversation, as well as new friends.
Thanks for the candle suggestion.
I haven’t checked for a book club but that’s a great suggestion. Thank you!
Sorbetto sounds divine to me. Thanks for this opportunity!
Great post! I use essential oils and a good book. I would like Pompelo too.
This looks that like it would smell so yummy!
https://www.sanaricandle.com/product-page/sorbetto
Hi Jennnifer, these candles sound fantastic! If I would be a lucky winner here I would choose Trentino. It sounds wonderful for fall. I agree that having some relaxation rituals is a healthy habit, I also like being awake before the rest of my family and relish the quiet and the chance to read blogs like yours! Have ag great day