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
Crema Buca gets my vote for the most interesting mix of scents. I would love to try this and several others as well. I love this post and can’t wait to get a chance to read through all the comments. So fun to get book ideas from everyone. I’ll post a few, too!
Citrus Herbal sounds relaxing. I also love to relax with a good book or crochet. I really enjoy your blogs.
Annette
Biscotti sounds wonderful. Wishing for scratch and sniff on the internet! LOL!
After a lifetime of reading (not so excellent) students’ papers, I have been spending my retirement reading historical fiction. I might as well learn something while I’m at it, right? Of course novels are not 100% accurate historically, but close enough to keep me interested. The epics written by Edward Rutherford are fun, and I think you might enjoy the “New York” one.
Both Aria and Pompelmo sound like heaven. The Trentino would be lovely for the Holidays. I find candles so soothing and relaxing.
I would love a Granita candle!
I have also given up watching the news. I’m so happy I did! I don’t need all the negativity in my life.
First, I must extend a heart felt congratulations to Rebecca on being a breast cancer survivor.
I, like you, Jennifer, stopped burning candles a few years ago due to the toxic artificial ingredients. The chemical smell of even the “best” candles caused headaches. Sanari candles sound absolutely wonderful. I can imagine the delicious, relaxing scent of the Sorbetto – Blood Orange, Coconut, Vanilla Bean candle filling the air around me.
May you continue to find ways to de-stress and enjoy life!
Thank you Janis
Such an interesting post today. Stress is so prevalent in our lives and ultimately can take a huge toll on us psychologically,emotionally and physically. A few years ago I met a wonderful psychiatrist who told me that he had stopped watch, listening or reading the news. Like you he felt that if anything major occurred someone would let him know! He said that collectively we ‘feed’ into the despair, pain and general sadness that we see. We bring the drama into our lives and give birth to it over and over just by just talking about it. His belief was that if we all just stopped watching the world would be a better place! After a bout of depression I followed his advice for several years and actually felt much better. I need to do that again! Meditation also does wonders to alleviate stress as does time in nature or a good sweat sesh with my kettle bells. I confess I also like to play silly games on my tablet to de stress!!
I totally agree with that psychiatrist. People do feed into it and get sucked into a negative vortex. I get ill when that happens so I avoid bad news and negativity.
I need to stop watching the news……so depressing! Sanam sounds wonderful! Thank you for your post.
Crema Bucca – yum! I gave up watching the news years ago … haven’t missed a thing! Always look forward to reading your blog. Thanks for inspiring us!
Thanks for being here Denise
Giardino sounds lovely, one can’t go wrong with bergamot! Thank you for the news about “clean” candles. I have only one lung and must be particularly careful of irritants.
I think these would be fine but please be careful
Granita sounds lovely.
Trentino sounds lovely for fall!
Pomelo and Biscotti both sound amazing….but then I really like patchouli too….choosing is stressful! Be sure to read “Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One” by Raphalle Giordano if you haven’t.
I have not read it but it’s on my list now. Thanks Patti. It sounds wonderful.
I like the Crem Bucca. Enjoy your blog
Bosco would be my choice. You sure struck a chord. I don’t think I have seen so many comments before! But easing stress is a topic important to us all. Thank you for sharing your own methods. Frankly a news break is a good thought for us all these days.????
I think a news break is a very healthy thing!!
Sanam sounds divine- pomegranate, rose petals and jasmine. Perfect to read a book by!
I’m loving the sound of blood orange, coconut, vanilla that someone mentioned above. I can’t access the website. I’m getting a message that they are offline???Maybe your followers broke the website? LOL I’ll check and comment again later if something else appeals more.
Bisco and Bicotti sound nice! I love lighting candles, but seldom do because of all the things I have read about it not being good for us. It is nice to know about this Organic Source of Coconut Oil/Wax. I love rituals! I enjoy a cup of coffee or tea by myself and looking out the window. I use to look out and watch the birds in the big tree on my side porch. Now we live in the desert in Joshua Tree. I look at the clouds and sunsets a lot. In the early morning and evening, there are always bunnies, roadrunners and coyote to view.
Hmmm, I would select the Bosco. In the car I listen to Sirious XM Spa to keep myself calm during driving if you have that service. I also enjoy a regular massage.
I practice most of your relaxing rituals as well, birds of a feather!