As the seasons change, many of us find ourselves facing increased stress that can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. Fortunately, there are natural strategies to help manage and reduce stress. I want to share with you today a few effective stress-relief techniques, including meditation, deep breathing exercises, aromatherapy, and the use of adaptogenic herbs, to help you stay calm and centered during the season.

MEDITATION

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It helps you become aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond to stress more calmly. Start with just five minutes a day, sitting quietly and focusing on your breath.

DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES

DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING

Diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, involves breathing deeply into your diaphragm rather than shallowly into your chest. This technique helps activate the body’s relaxation response. To practice, sit comfortably, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, and take slow, deep breaths, ensuring your belly rises more than your chest.

BOX BREATHING

Box breathing is a simple technique that involves inhaling for four counts, holding the breath for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and holding the breath out for four counts. Repeat this cycle several times to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

AROMATHERAPY

ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote relaxation and well-being. Oils such as lavender, frankincense, and orange are known for their calming properties. Use a diffuser to fill your space with soothing scents, or apply diluted essential oils to your wrists and temples. Find the best quality and most effective oils here. These are the only ones I’ll ever use!

AROMATHERAPY BATHS

Taking a warm bath with added essential oils can be a luxurious way to unwind. Add a few drops of your favourite calming oil to your bathwater, (my fave is a blend called Peace & Calming) and soak for at least 20 minutes to enjoy the stress-relieving benefits.

ADAPTOGENIC HERBS

ASHWAGANDHA

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body adapt to stress and supports overall well-being. It can reduce cortisol levels, which are often elevated during periods of stress. Ashwagandha is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and teas.

RHODIOLA ROSEA

Rhodiola Rosea is another adaptogen known for its ability to enhance resilience to stress. It can improve mood, reduce fatigue, and support mental clarity. Rhodiola can be taken as a supplement or in tea form.

HOLY BASIL (TULSI)

Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its stress-relieving properties. It helps regulate cortisol levels and supports a calm, balanced state. Enjoy Holy Basil in tea form for a soothing and beneficial drink.

ADDITIONAL STRESS-RELIEF TECHNIQUES

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or dancing, can significantly reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and helps clear the mind. Just don’t go too heavy or too fast for too long. This will increase your cortisol and potentially lead to burnout and a negative effect on your immune system.

JOURNALLING

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful way to process stress and gain perspective. Try journalling for a few minutes each day, focusing on what you’re grateful for and any positive experiences you’ve had.

CONNECTION WITH LOVED ONES

Spending time with friends and family can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of stress. Engage in activities you enjoy together, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed.

Managing stress naturally involves a combination of practices that address both the mind and body. By incorporating techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, aromatherapy, and adaptogenic herbs into your routine, you can better navigate seasonal stressors and maintain your well-being. Embrace these strategies to create a more peaceful and balanced life, no matter the season.

Winter is a time of reflection, rest, and rejuvenation. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s essential to embrace self-care practices that nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits. Let’s explore a variety of holistic wellness rituals designed to help you stay healthy, balanced, and serene throughout the Winter months. From mindfulness exercises to relaxation techniques and stress-relief rituals, these practices will support your overall well-being during this introspective season.

MORNING MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation to set a calm and positive tone for the day ahead. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. As you inhale and exhale, gently bring your attention to the present moment, letting go of any thoughts or worries. This practice can help reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and enhance emotional resilience, setting the stage for a balanced day.

WARMING HERBAL TEAS

Incorporate warming herbal teas into your daily routine to support your body’s natural rhythms and promote relaxation. Teas made from ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric are not only soothing but also have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Sip on a cup of herbal tea in the morning, afternoon, or evening to warm up from the inside out and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

GENTLE YOGA AND STRETCHING

Engage in gentle yoga and stretching exercises to keep your body flexible and your mind centered. Practices like yin yoga, restorative yoga, or simple stretching routines can help release tension, improve circulation, and enhance your sense of well-being. Aim to dedicate at least 15-30 minutes each day to these mindful movements, focusing on deep breathing and mindful awareness as you stretch.

AROMATHERAPY FOR RELAXATION

Harness the power of aromatherapy to create a calming and peaceful environment in your home. Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can be diffused, added to a warm bath, or used in massage oils to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Experiment with different blends to find the scents that resonate most with you, and incorporate them into your daily self-care rituals.

JOURNALING FOR REFLECTION

Use the Winter season as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth by keeping a journal. Write about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and set intentions for the months ahead. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing emotions, gaining insights, and cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness.

NATURE WALKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Even during the colder months, spending time in nature can have a profound impact on your well-being. Bundle up and take regular walks in natural settings, such as parks, forests, or along the coast. The fresh air, natural light, and connection to the earth can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve overall health.

EVENING RELAXATION RITUALS

Create a calming evening routine to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. This might include activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath with Epsom salts, practicing gentle stretching, or listening to soothing music. Avoid screens and stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime to support a more restorative sleep.

Winter is a season of rest and reflection, offering a unique opportunity to focus on holistic self-care practices that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. By incorporating these winter wellness rituals into your daily routine, you can stay healthy, balanced, and serene throughout the colder months. 

From morning mindfulness meditation to warming herbal teas, gentle stretching, aromatherapy, journaling, nature walks, and evening relaxation rituals, these practices will support your overall well-being and help you embrace the season with grace and ease. So, take the time to slow down, tune in, and nurture yourself this Winter. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

Which of these self-care practices appeal most to you? Send me a message, I’d love to know.

What the world needs now is love, yes, more love.. but also.. more light.

Maybe they’re one and the same.

Most of us know how to express love whether that’s to the people we are closest to, or strangers on the street. But do you know how to give more light?

It starts with first recognising it within your self and then as if by magic, or more likely by divine grace, your light inspires someone else to shine too.

THINGS HAVE CHANGED

Have you noticed a change in the energy of people these days?

Truly, the last few years have knocked us all for a six.

Even for those who are usually pretty good at keeping their vibe high. It’s been hard hearing all the stories of people who have been hurt and lost so much. But there’s been a lot of growth too. A lot of reaching out and community spirit resurfacing. And that’s a good thing!

So what can you do to help boost your own mood?

LET’S TALK ESSENTIAL OILS

I know there are a lot of things you can do, and I talk more about that here but this post is supposed to be about how to boost your mood with essential oils, so that’s what we’ll talk about today.

First of all, essential oils by their very nature have a profound effect on our mental and emotional health.

Simply by inhaling them you immediately activate the limbic part of the brain which is where we process emotions and house memories.

You can’t really go wrong with choosing an essential oil to try, however there are some that are especially helpful to boost the mood.

THE POWER OF CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS

Any of the citrus oils, hands down, will do the job.

Lemon, orange, bergamot, lime etc. They’re just so vibrant, smell so fresh and are super high in d-limonene. You can’t help but smile when you breathe these babies in.

OTHER MOOD BOOSTERS

• Clary Sage (floral)
• Lavender (floral)
• Frankincense (balsamic/resin)
• Geranium (floral)
• Ylang Ylang (floral)
• Eucalyptus (wood)
• Ginger (spice)
• Rosemary (herb)

All of these oils will help to boost the mood either by awakening the senses, reducing stress or both!

You don’t need to use all of them all at once, just intuitively choose one or two to work with and switch it up from time to time. Inhale straight from the bottle, diffuse or dilute and apply topically as needed.

NEW TO OILS?

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same top notch oils that I use.

Ever been stuck in a funk that you just can’t seem to shift?

Try one of these 10 restorative and uplifting essential oils to rebalance and improve the mood and get you moving in the right direction.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint essential oil has a sharp, stimulating aroma that can feel like an energetic slap in the face. Breathe it in to increase vitality and motivation, especially if you are feeling disconnected with your surroundings and what you’re doing in this life. Peppermint helps us to refocus on who we are and what we want to achieve. It brings wisdom, alertness and spiritual awareness.

BASIL

Basil essential oil has a warm, peppery, aniseed-like aroma that is stimulating to the mind and emotions. Breathe it in to encourage positivity and creativity and help you to tap in to your true desires and purpose. Basil is a great oil to use when you need to make big decisions as it ‘switches’ on the mind while cleansing any lingering thoughts away that no longer serve you.

ORANGE

Orange essential oil has a fruity, fresh aroma that imbues the essence of creativity and childhood. Breathe it in to uplift the mood and create a space of lightheartedness and regeneration of spirit. Orange encourages feelings of positivity, joy and magnificence, while allowing the body and mind to let go of past experiences that may be keeping you feeling stuck.

BAY LAUREL

Bay laurel essential oil has a spicy, sweet, fresh fragrance that has traditionally been used as a symbol of victory. Breathe it in to encourage confidence and fortitude when planning and reaching for your goals. It’s also a useful oil for those times when the way ahead seems uncertain or when you need a little extra courage. Bay Laurel provides inspiration, protection and a sense of direction.

YLANG YLANG

Ylang Ylang essential oil has an intensely sweet, floral aroma that increases self-esteem and confidence. Breathe it in to uplift the mood and to awaken a feeling of enthusiasm for life. Ylang ylang helps you to forgive yourself and others and has the ability to dissipate anger. It’s calming, yet joyful, playful energy reminds you of all the beauty and wonder in the world and that you equally are a part of it.

MELISSA

Melissa essential oil has a light, fresh and somewhat citrus aroma that brings understanding and a feeling of strength. It’s a useful oil when dealing with negative and repetitive emotions as it helps us to break through these limitations and rise above what we once thought we couldn’t. Melissa brings a sense of peace and protection as you take steps forward to improve your life.

LEMONGRASS

Lemongrass essential oil has a grassy, lemony, citrus aroma that not only cleanses the physical body but also the spiritual. Use this oil to help clear negative experiences such as shame, regret and unforgiveness to encourage feelings of positivity, upliftment and progression. Lemongrass helps us to become clear with our thoughts and reminds us that all outcomes are based on the choices we make.

CARDAMOM

Cardamom essential oil has a spicy, green and sweet aroma that enlivens the spirit and increases feelings of abundance and prosperity. It can be used to clear the senses, stimulate creativity and help motivate you to reach for your heart’s desire. Cardamom helps us to connect to our higher purpose, especially during times of overwhelm and stress and can improve feelings of gratitude.

CISTUS

Cistus essential oil has a musky, sweet balsamic aroma that has traditionally been known to soothe the heart. It is a useful choice when feeling disconnected from your spirituality and life purpose. Cistus can be used to help shift from a place of fear, to a place of unconditional love and acceptance. Use it during times of loneliness, isolation and grief or when you just need some more harmony and balance in your life.

FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense essential oil has a warm, sweet and spicy, balsamic aroma that has been traditionally used in spiritual practice for thousands of years. Breathe it in to help you stay connected to spirit and help induce feelings of emotional stability and a sense of unity. Frankincense gives courage in hard times as it calms the emotions and helps you to feel grounded and secure. The ultimate comforter and protector.

So that’s my Top 10 essential oils to help you out of a funk.

Which one have you tried or which one would you like to add to your emotional home wellness kit?

Lavender is such an underrated essential oil, maybe because it’s so readily available!

Do you have some at home? Most people do.

Or maybe you have a grandma who used to grow it in her garden..

12 REASONS TO LOVE LAVENDER

1. Lavender works on serotonin receptors in the body to help balance the mood. It has been used to treat anxiety and depression and it helps to calm the nerves. Use it after a long day when you feel mentally and physically drained and any time you need to de-stress.
2. Lavender helps regulate sleep patterns and prepares the body for a restful night’s sleep. Insomnia is a common issue today and studies have shown that the chemical structure of lavender may increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep. Sprinkle a few drops on your pillow or diffuse at bedtime.
3. Lavender is soothing and balancing to the skin. Use it on itchy bites or any areas that are red or inflamed. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis may also benefit from lavender’s soothing nature. Use it to hydrate irritated and sensitive skin.
4. Lavender naturally contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be a useful ally during seasonal changes. Dilute and apply topically alongside the nose, sinus, throat and chest area and try a swipe along the inside of cheek. Be sure to always only use the absolute purest and unadulterated essential oils. Most on the market are not what they say they are!
5. Lavender helps fight infections with its natural antiseptic and antifungal properties. Keep it on hand to treat minor cuts, scrapes, irritations and burns. Lavender essential oil is also great for when you’ve been a little too kissed by the sun. Combine with aloe vera or use on its own.
6. Lavender promotes hair growth by protecting the hair follicles from oxidative stress. Add it to your all natural hair care routine to nourish the scalp, or try out this Mermaid Waves Hair Spray recipe!
7. Lavender helps to relax the muscles, reducing discomfort in the body. Dilute and apply topically to any areas that need support. Apply to the temples and breathe in the aroma to help alleviate a tight headache. (Try peppermint if your headache is of the pounding variety).
8. Lavender can even out skin tone and help reduce redness. It may also help to prevent scarring by promoting cell and tissue growth. Lavender helps to balance acne prone skin.
9. Lavender helps promote collagen synthesis and stimulates fibroblasts, making it a good choice for wound healing. Quick application post-injury can also reduce bruising. Try making a cool compress.
10. Lavender has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays that accelerate the skin’s aging process. Use it in your favourite organic moisturiser or make a facial spritz and use any time of the day.
11. Lavender supports respiratory and immune health. Use it alongside eucalyptus and frankincense (or on its own) during times of physical exhaustion or anytime you need to breathe deeply and easily.
12. Lavender is a true adaptogen bringing peace and calm to you and your personal space. Breathe in straight from the bottle or diffuse in your favourite ultrasonic diffuser for lasting, healing benefits.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PURE

Lavender is such a readily available and abundant herb that you don’t have to look far to find the essential oil on the shelves. Unfortunately there is no governing body that ensures that what you purchase is actually what’s written on the label. Many manufacturers cut corners, adulterate and synthetically manipulate their “essential oils” to reduce costs but at the end of the day you are left with a product that has no therapeutic value and can even cause more harm then good!

If you have ever received a headache from smelling Lavender essential oil, it may very well be because it was synthetically put together or had a synthetic component added to it. It really pays to know where your oils come from and how the plants are farmed, harvested and distilled.

ALL NATURAL BEAUTY WITH LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

Here are some recipes for you to try that incorporate the soothing and healing benefits of this gentle oil.

Mermaid Waves Hair Spray

Lavender-Infused Dry Shampoo

Royal Hawaiian Face Serum

OTHER RESOURCES

I have a free Essential Oils Course that goes through the basics of essential oils, how to use them safely, how to save money and everyday uses for your home, beauty, health and more!

I also have a discount code for you if you’d like to try the same superior quality essential oils that I use.