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 sounds amazing, especially heading into fall. I had also stopped watching the news in the evening, but have fallen down that rabbit hole again. Hearing you say you’ve stopped has reminded me that I need to also! I love to burn candles every evening and just love the glow and scent my home takes on. I’ve had problems quieting my mind enough to mediate. I need some help in that department! Stress certainly does impact our health and I need to do more to de-stress!
I struggle with that too Linda. I think many of us do. My mind starts chattering the moment I sit down to meditate. Try playing spa music. I recently starting using a Mala which helps a lot.
I think they call it monkey brain! I’ll check out your music suggestion. I do find music so calming! Thanks for this post!
I think Bosco would suit me. Thanks for the reading suggestions. I needed to find a new author. I love reading an actual book and not on a Kindle. I find the tactile experience of feeling the pages in relaxing.
Me too. I never liked the kindle. Paper for me all the way.
I’m an avid reader and have been since I was a child. These are a few of the books that have stayed with me long after I finished them. Mary Alice Monroe’s books: The Beach House and The Book Club are my favorites. Also if you like historical fiction, Kristen Hannah’s book The Nightengale is excellent.
Thank you for the suggestions Theda
Ordered the CD. Love the sound of the floral fruit candle. Adding the books to my reading list. Thanks!
Which floral fruit sounds best?
Fresno sounds delightful. Many terrific blends to choose from. Love candles that don’t release toxic fumes into the air.
Me too!
I think biscotti sounds wonderful. I’m in a book club with a group of wonderful friends. We read a book a month and take turns hosting and planning a lunch or event that corresponds to the book we’ve just read. So much fun! We just finished “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. It was a total delight.
That’s sounds so fun! I need to join a group.
Trentino sounds good to me. thanks for sharing these wonderful candles with your followers.
Sorbetto sounds wonderful. Thank you for your suggestions for relaxation. There is something about having a good book to read with a cup of tea. After your post I have new books to check out! I also like the idea of not watching the news. So much of it is depressing and as you said, someone else can give me updates when needed.
Isn’t this fun? I’m loving these great suggestions.
Pompelo is the scent I would choose. We just found out that my husband has cancer, and I think Pompelo would be a good choice for the soothing and relaxing atmosphere we need right now.
Oh Candy, I’m so very sorry. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
Spicy Woody sounds amazing! But then, I think I like all the scents in her shop.
I do too
The pompelo sounds wonderful. I am currently doing a long-term sub for a fellow teacher (after 18 mos of retirement) and I will be ready for a trip when I am done at the beginning of October. My husband and I are taking a relaxing RV trip to the mountains and maybe visit Washington, DC since we haven’t been there in 30+ yrs.
That sounds like a wonderful trip! Have fun
Love all of your unwinding ideas! I do many of the same ones. Especially reading with a candle burning nearby. I just finished The Masterpiece. You’re going to love it.
I’d really love to have a Bosch candle for this fall and winter. We live in Minnesota and that candle’s smell would be perfect for a late afternoon reading session with my tea (or wine!).
I’m so excited to start it. Thanks! I love her writing. Bosch does sound yummy
I think the Fresco sounds lovely for fall. I find stretching helps me relax. Also looking at photos of my granddaughter.
Like some of the other comments, hard to choose, they all sound wonderful! Sorbetto, I think, or Biscotti. Can you smell them while they are burning? Some candles smell great in the container, but you cannot even smell them when lit. Thanks!
I identify with Rebecca’s story, being a survivor of two rounds of breast cancer. My second diagnosis was just after I had passed the five year mark for my first. My husband passed away between so they were very different experiences.
I met such strong and interesting women during this long process. Many, like Rebecca, found their lives moving in a different direction as you realize that life is too precious to not do what you really want every day. Everyone should be grateful each morning to wake up and have another day in this wonderful world.
I like the Pompelo scent. It’s important to enjoy the good things of life while protecting the environment!
I’ve always been fascinated by The Dakota since reading Rosemary’s Baby back in the ’70s. I may have to check out that book!
My husband does not like scented candles and I have found they give me a headache after a while. Also I am a bit paranoid about having open flames in the house. I do have several of the battery operated candles, some look very realistic.
I can’t stop watching the news. Never used to pay as much attention, now I can’t stop watching what is going on in our country. Mostly CNN and MSNBC. If I watch even just a few minutes of Fox I can feel my blood pressure rising, so I turn the channel.
I would like the Biscotti, please
Fresco.
Loved your un-winding ideas. I am going to look for those books- great suggestions!
Thanks for putting the effort into the blog posts. I know those photos, links, ideas, etc. don’t happen by themselves.
You are appreciated. <3
Thanks for being here Mary. I enjoy doing it for you
Hi Jennifer, those candles sound delightful. My choice is the Aria. Thanks for sharing your rituals for relaxing. I follow many of the same rituals. Waking up early in the morning is currently not one of them. I may have to start that one once my husband retires as he likes to turn the TV on as soon as he gets up. Me, I like to listen to the kind of music you recommend or simply like it quite. Like you, I will have to escape to a different room. I will check to the library for those books. You are an inspiration. Love your posts.