Nurturing your Senses to Boost Wellbeing
When you hear “wellbeing” you might immediately think about the physical: exercise, nutrition, sleep. To me, the key pillar to wellbeing is your mind. By being sensitive to our senses, I’ve discovered I can encourage a calmer outlook and more positive mindset.
Here are some tips on how to boost yours:
- Sense (Touch)
Taking the time to switch off and unwind at the end of each day is a vital practice to boost my mindset and get me ready for a restorative night’s sleep. A calming bath works for me, even if I can only grab 15 minutes of soak time. My favourite bath oil is Aromatherapy Associates Support Equilibrium Bath & Shower Oil, complemented by soothing music. I like the tracks available on www.calm.com/music – well worth my subscription. Plus, of course, dim lights and a scented candle create the right atmosphere. My most relaxing fragrances are sweet Neroli Blossom or rich Smoked Amber & Suede. Heaven!
- Sight
Make what we see in the morning and last thing at night something that fills you with joy. A picture of your family, a place you love, or a quote that resonates with you. This Van Gogh quote inspires me, especially at this time when I’m considering the year ahead and what I want to achieve:
“I dream of painting and then I paint my dream”
Quotes might seem cheesy, but I find they give me a little lift!
- Smell
Scent has the power to change how I feel instantly. It can lull you into a sense of calm, energise, or excite you. That’s why spas, resorts and boutiques use fragrances such as lavender, sandalwood and eucalyptus to help clients relax and unwind.
Using different aromas around your home can help to create specific ambiences.
For example, for…
- Energy: grapefruit, pomelo, lemon or peppermint
- Calm: jasmine (one of my favourites!), cinnamon, ylang ylang or vetiver
- A sensual atmosphere: sandalwood, ginger or vanilla
- Sound
Researchers have discovered that nature’s music, such as the sea, birdsong or wind rustling leaves, take down the body’s “fight or flight” response, caused by anxiety. The experience neutralises stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, thus improving sleep, focus and productivity*.
For a restful night’s sleep, you can easily bring the sounds of, for example, a rainforest or a waterfall into your bedroom with free apps such as Noisli* or Slumber*. Try different sounds to find out what appeals to you and creates the most effective results. I’ve incorporated this into my bedtime routine and find listening to the rain works best to lull me into a zen state. I now truly believe nature’s symphony really does possess magical qualities!
Leverage the 4 S’s
By paying careful attention to the 4 S’s, you can transform both the ambience within your home and the way you feel. Find the right triggers for you, for creating certain emotions. You may prefer calm for Mondays, uplifted for Fridays and so on. We are all absolutely unique so need to find our own formula, but I believe that nourishing your senses can help you feel more positive and grounded.
*References:
https://www.bsms.ac.uk/about/news/2017/03-31-the-sound-of-nature-helps-us-relax.aspx
