Sometimes the hustle and bustle of daily life can catch up with us. When it comes to settling down in the evenings, despite the body's desire for rest, the mind may continue to race with thoughts accumulated throughout the day. We can become easily overwhelmed and distracted without relaxation to give us moments of peace in between life's demands. In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to gift yourself with time to restore the mind. However, with natural, simple relaxation techniques, prioritizing time to unwind can become second nature.
Discover ESPA's 6 relaxation techniques to soothe the body and mind.
Relaxing herbal tea
The first relaxation technique is the aromatic pleasure that comes from a warm herbal tea. The delicate blend of herbs, spices and fruits is a caffeine-free way to satisfy the taste buds and senses, instantly lulling the mind. A relaxing herbal tea is also a calming alternative to the stimulating cups of coffee that may no longer be necessary once the afternoon passes.
Try a relaxing massage
Whether it is in a spa or at home, a relaxing massage is another natural technique that can restore the body and mind. Gently rub away areas of tension with a light pressure combined with a Positivity Bath & Body Oil.Designed to uplift the spirit and thoughts, this oil can be used as a calming massage oil or applied to pulse points, allowing the essential oils to help promote a sense of comfort and stillness to the mind while soothing the body.
What's more, while treating yourself to a relaxing massage, you can also nourish the skin. Our formula features a rich mélange of Avocado, Sweet Almond, and Soybean Oils to support the natural moisture barrier, leaving the skin soft and supple. Featuring Omegas 6 and 9, these botanical lipids coat the skin and nourish the body.
Practice mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness is a wonderfully simple, yet fruitful relaxation technique. It can be practiced in a variety of ways, but all have one common denominator which is, being present in the moment.
Try to begin the day ten minutes earlier and put that extra time aside to practice mindfulness. Begin sitting upright in a comfortable position and drawing attention to the breath. Here, you can notice your inhales and exhales, how deep or shallow they are. Then, proceed with a scan through the body. Focus separately on each body part, noticing any build-up of tension and becoming aware of the feeling of the seat beneath you or your feet on the floor. This ten minute exercise of trying to focus the mind on the body without external thoughts is a simple natural relaxation technique that can instantly calm the senses and set a positive tone for the day.
Other ways to practice mindfulness throughout the day include the five senses exercise. Again, this has the aim of bringing your attention to the present moment to soothe any buzzing of thoughts that can occur in the mind.
- Firstly, try to notice five things that you can see that you wouldn't usually notice, such as the carpet pattern on the floor or the screws in your desk.
- Secondly, bring your attention to four things that you can feel, like your feet against the floor or chair beneath you as with the other exercise.
- Thirdly, take note of three things you can hear. The tapping of a keyboard, cars driving past outside.
- Fourthly, try to notice two separate things that you can smell.
- Lastly, notice one thing you can taste.
Why not start now- take some time to enjoy a moment of mindfulness with ESPA expert Nicole.
Exercise
Exercise is renowned to be a fantastic stress reliever and instantly mood-lifting. This is because during exercise, your brain makes more endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that come with finishing a run. It also acts as a natural relaxation technique as it withdraws the mind from anxious thoughts. Morning exercise is a great way to begin the day on the positive note.
Create a calming environment
Our bodies can crave sleep, yet our brains are stimulated from the activities of the day combined with bright, fluorescent lights of screens and televisions. This is why it's important to create a calming environment that will calm the mind, body and senses. With an aromatic blend of Rose Geranium, Frankincense and Myrrh a few spritzes of some Soothing Atmosphere Mist into the air can help unwind, soothe and bring a sense of calm.
In addition, simply lighting a restorative candle can instantly transform a room into a safe haven. Infused with a unique Restorative Signature Blend, ESPA's restorative candle harnesses the potency of aromatherapy oils to center you in the moment. A comforting aroma of Rose Geranium, Sweet Orange and Lavender soothe, while Palmarosa restores harmony, so you can tune out the noise and take on life with confidence. What's more, the low light emitted from a candle creates a soft illumination throughout the room that is instantly more calming for our minds than a harsh overhead light.
A good nights sleep
The final technique to relax is to prioritize sleep. Eight hours is the rule of thumb for most to be fully rested, so pencil in the essential time for your mind and body to renew themselves. Aim to be in bed at the same time every evening and to wake at the same time. Make gradual adjustments towards the eight hour mark with an effective bedtime routine and be consistent. Consistency will train the mind and body to naturally feel a sense of relaxation when the time to go to sleep approaches.
Just like how we care for the wellbeing of those close to us, it is equally important to care for our own peace of mind. Gifting yourself with moments of calm on a daily basis may seem difficult, or at times even unrealistic. However, with these simple relaxation techniques, you can transport your mind and body to a haven of tranquility within a matter of minutes.
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