Wellness Home (Feel Good Edition)
During this lock-down period we very much feel like my world has shrunk in size. Our radius is limited, both in terms of distance and social interactions. That can leave you in a state of energetic turmoil, you feel overwhelmed and anxious. Self-care tends to drop off when you need it most. But just how do you build a bit of resilience in times of uncertainty? To some extent it is about managing your energy to increase your feel-good factor and wellbeing in your home which in turn impacts on your physical and mental health.
In this edition we would like to highlight a few ways we have implemented in our own home to create a feeling of calm and relaxation. We call it our ‘de-stress toolkit’ — which are some practices and tweaks in the home that might help brighten your life. Here are a few tips how we created the conditions for a better experience in my space:
Fuse design elements based on your needs, desires and values in your design choices at home.
Focus on self-fulfilment. Understand and remember what makes you happy, what calms your nerves.
Design choices should be influenced by your intentionality and your mindset. We have created a list of ‘feel-good’ items, accessories and practices that might help you increase cognitive performance, as well as improve general wellbeing, health and happiness.
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Scented Candles
Aromatherapy candles are the perfect solution to help with relaxation, anxiety, and stress relief. Scented candles can help relax, calm, and energise your body and soul — they create a sense of harmony and balance for me by streaming an aroma that is released into the atmosphere as the herbal and floral essential oils evaporate. I am particularly in love with the scents of the ocean…
Generally speaking, Beeswax and soy-based candles tend to produce less pollution than paraffin candles.
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Diffusers
A diffuser is a great candle alternative for scenting your space. You can customise your aroma to match your mood. My favourite diffuser is the Vitruvi White Stone Diffuser, a beautifully-crafted stone diffuser that helps you diffuse essential oils throughout your home, while doubling as a stunningly simple piece of decor. It can run up to 3 hours continuously or 7 hours intermittently. I am also in love with my Mad et Lene (and I love the elegant aesthetic).
Reed diffusers have pretty much become an interior must-have. Prices and scents vary vastly, but the basics are all the same - a blend of essential oils and several reed sticks which are usually made from rattan, which allows the scent to travel up and out into the room. They generally give a far less synthetic aroma than a plug-in air freshener.
Make sure that you are only using pure, naturally derived essential oils with your diffuser to prevent headaches and other health risks. I also recommend that you read this article if you have pets in your home.
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Essential Oils
Aromatherapy can be soothing, uplifting, even healing. Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, the part of the brain connected to smell, including the nose and the brain. The oils evaporate into the air using a diffuser or oil droplets, or breathed in, for example, in a steam bath. However, note, some people report developing allergies to essential oils.
I tend to incorporate essential oils into my wellness routine: Lemon oil is a natural and effective remedy for travel sickness and other nausea related illnesses. Eucalyptus is known for soothing a tickly throat and aiding easier breathing and easing the symptoms of asthma. Ylang ylang’s aromatic scent is fruity, flowery, and rich (ooooh, I love it!). It has been found to boost mood, reduce depression, alleviate anxiety, lower blood pressure, decrease heart rate and even repel flying insects. Inhaling the aroma of sandalwood oil is thought to transmit messages to parts of the brain involved in controlling emotions. Grapefruit essential oil is a great natural mood and energy booster, it can help to increase your mental focus, reduce sleepiness and mental fatigue.
Read more about Essential Oil Blend Formulas.
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Oil Burners
A good way of using essential oils is to vaporise them. This is commonly done by using an oil burner. Simply fill the top bowl of the burner with water and place a few drops of essential oils on the water, then place a tea light underneath the bowl. The water and essential oils evaporate, letting the aroma fill the room.
My personal choice is the Synergy Oil Burner by Addition Studio. Designed with a minimal aesthetic the Synergy Oil Burner is carved from natural stone and each piece will be different and unique. I am totally in love with mine!
!! Never, ever leave an essential oil burner unattended !!
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Palo Santo Wood + Incense Burners
A mystical tree indigenous to South America, palo santo means ‘holy wood’ in Spanish. It is one of the most fragrant woods in the world and has a scent of pine, mint and lemon. The indigenous people of the Andes have been using palo santo for spiritual purification. Whether you believe in the spiritual and energy cleansing aspects of this wood or not, I consider it aromatherapy and find that palo santo creates tranquility and calm, and promotes feelings of positivity and joy in me. Palo santo is also used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, the flu, anxiety and depression, asthma, headaches, as well as emotional trauma.
Once the tip of the wood ignites, let it burn around 30 seconds to one minute, and then blow it out. Place it in a fireproof bowl and enjoy the healing aroma. I often use palo santo in the form of reed diffusers too.
Burning sage (also known as smudging) is an ancient spiritual ritual practiced by indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Sage has a cleansing effect on negative vibes — it balances mood and dispels depression. It is said that burning sage is thought to release negative ions. The smoke (‘medicinal smoke’) from burning sage also reduces airborne bacteria. I adore Parigotte Holistic’s shop on Etsy.
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Crystals and Stones
Crystals are known for holding and magnifying certain vibrations. Hold onto the stone and feel what you want to feel. Crystals are said to act as conduits for healing — allowing positive, healing energy to flow into the body as negative energy flows out.
There are a number of different types of crystals, each filled with their own healing abilities for the mind, body, and soul — these range from clear and rose quartz, jasper, amethyst, citrine, tiger’s eye, moonstone, ruby to sapphire (-to name just a few). My favourite is the turquoise stone which I use in my home decoration… Sienna Blue Handmade makes some beautiful crystal infused candles sold via Etsy.
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Skin & Self
Create that harmony between skin & self. Find time to have a relaxing bath, infused with bath salts, apply some nourishing body oils and an invigorating face mask. Make yourself a delicious and nourishing smoothie, get those taste buds going with some exotic fruit, freshly brewed tea and more healthy food.
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Air-Purifying Plants
Fresh air is not something we get enough of these days… Indoor air can be stale and is often well below recommended humidity levels. Biophilic design improves wellbeing by working with our natural connection with nature. Being among plants can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve focus at home or work:
Aloe Vera emits oxygen at night time whilst simultaneously taking in carbon dioxide (something we naturally produce when breathing). Air Plants (my faves!) will not only eliminate toxins but also reduce the CO2 by 50% and purify your home. Some air plants have been known to remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air which are chemicals usually found in paint, cigarettes, vinyl, and solvents. Air plants are coated on the surface with felt-like trichomes (which are little scales on their leaves). These trap pollen particles, and help to improve air quality in the room; yes, they pretty much are air-purifying workhorses. Peace Lilies purify the air and increase oxygen according to a clean air study by NASA. They help to filter out harmful benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde toxins. The moisture given off by the striking flowers can boost a room’s humidity by up to 5%. Although, be careful, this plant is poisonous to pets. The Areca Palm releases lots of moisture into the air and removes toxins very effectively. The Weeping Fig is perfect for filtering pollutants that typically are in carpets and furniture such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Boston Fern removes more formaldehyde than any other plant.
I am a huge advocate of interior ‘living walls’. If you would like to find out how to bring Biophilic Design patterns into your vision for a healthier home and work space, read more about Biophilic Design. Also, take a look at my shortlist of beautiful indoor plants.
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The Sound of the Ocean
Crash ocean waves, the water babbling down a stream, the soft pitter-patter of rain, they all can help to ‘tune out’ and feel more relaxed. Sounds from nature have such a restorative effect on our psyche and wellbeing. I often play soundscapes of natural environments such as the sounds of the ocean in the background. Finding your ideal background soundscape might help to promote better rest.
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Inspiring Reads
I find that reading for pleasure builds empathy and improves wellbeing. My personal favourite reads are based around the way we live, here’s my shortlist of inspiring reads:
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness
Spark Joy: An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying
The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well
Lagom: The Swedish Art of Balanced Living
Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
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When we feel stressed-out, anxious, sad or angry, we typically want those feelings and emotions to just disappear. Denying our feelings can actually make them more intense or can even negatively affect our physical and mental health. I have started incorporating mindfulness exercises into my daily routine. Mindfulness is the practice of being at ease with what is. This does not have to be a structured program and you will have to find your own routine in practicing mindfulness. It can be as simple as lighting your favourite candle, sit comfortably, and watch the flame sway and flicker. Or it can be about drawing you attention to the sensations and smells you observe from brewing a cup of tea to the moment you finish the last sip of your cup (I have discovered an invigorating herbal tea infusion made of peppermint, marigold and lemon).
Alternatively, you might discover new breathing or stillness exercises. You might take up yoga to bring together mind and body. Or, you might find that small acts of creativity in everyday life increase your overall sense of wellbeing. There are no fast rules to relaxation. Discover what works best for you, then find ways to build a routine based around your needs and comfort zone.
Your world might appear smaller because of the quarantine — but certain elements, adding a little green, and finding the time to relax with a good read can be powerful ways to bring a little joy, and create a feeling of wellbeing. Stay healthy. x
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You Might Also Be Interested In:
>> Calm Living Spaces
>> MINDFULNESS JOURNALS
>> Aromatherapy / Essential Oil Blend Formulas
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