How to make your home a more calm and peaceful place
Stress is something that affects us all in everyday life. From minor challenges to major catastrophes; we become agitated and anxious, and our brains can end up frazzled as we try to escape the weight of it all. So now, more than ever, creating a calming space and time in your day, to just be, is incredibly important for our wellbeing. Nothing complicated, no fancy exercises or subscriptions to apps required.
Let us help bring a sense of serenity to your home with our calming essential oil collection
Here are some tried and tested tips to help you create an oasis of calm:
Benefit from the relaxing properties of pure essential oils.
If you’re looking to create a calm environment that brings you stress relief, it will be no surprise that we recommend incorporating aromatherapy into your home and daily routine and embrace the glorious gift from nature with pure essential oils. As you breathe in the aromas of the essential oils, they can trigger the olfactory system (the part of your brain connected to smell) and as the molecules waft up your nose - into your brain - they affect the limbic system which plays a role in your emotions, heart rate, stress levels and hormone balance. It is here that they are processed and release the chemicals that revive you or help you to relax - depending on the essential oil.
Aroma diffusers are one the easiest and most effective ways to dispense the aromatherapeutic properties of essential oils into your surroundings. They are not only beautiful, but they also allow you to swap and change oils depending on your mood and needs at any specific time. You can either use one of our exclusive blends, which have been specially created to help lift your spirits or send you on the path to relaxation, or you can invest in a range of solo essential oils to create your very own masterpieces to support you and your family’s wellbeing.
How to choose the best essential oil diffuser for your home
But there are many ways you can incorporate essential oils into your everyday life and they can also help you achieve a restful nights sleep:
- Pillow mist - Our relaxing mists are a great way to aid a good night's sleep by creating a relaxing atmosphere and a sense of well-being, thanks in part to the lavender oil. Just a gentle spritz on your pillow before you snuggle down can work a treat. If you would like more suggestions on getting a good night's sleep visit our blog post ‘Top tips for a good night's sleep’
- Bathtime – Adding essential oils is a luxurious way to enhance what can already be an enjoyable time out to relax, but don’t be tempted to add your oils (4 to 5 drops) whilst running your bath as the hot water causes the oils to escape before you have even set foot in the tub. Instead, be patient and add the oil once the bath is run and you can enjoy their full effects (hopefully in peace!).
Day + Night Duos: A perfect duo of oils and room sprays to support your wellbeing needs - regardless of the time of day.
Have a tech break
Make time in your day to switch off your phone or tablet. Not only are they huge distractions, but constantly checking social media, news sites or emails can make you feel permanently on edge. Let’s face it, any notifications, the latest funny cat meme or celebrity gossip will still be there when you emerge from your calm space.
Choose music to help soothe and relax
“Music is a supernatural force on the earth. It has the power to transform the heart and mind.” ― Kathy McClary
Play calming music: Another great way to instantly enhance your mood and put you into a nice, relaxed place is to play some music. Music has incredible mental health benefits. It’s a powerful tool used to calm the mind and body, especially those with slow soothing melodies and instrumentation. You can create your own playlist or tap into a specially curated collection, like the one below.
I also love Weightless, which was produced by the British ambient band Marconi Union and topped a scientific list of the world's most relaxing pieces of music.
Another option to try is brown noise, which, unlike the high-pitched hiss of white noise, delivers more energy at lower frequencies, resulting in a gentle rumbling sound, often compared to the low roar of a waterfall.
Adjust your lighting
Changing the lighting in a room can have a huge effect on the way you feel and the mood of the space.
If you have access to space with good natural daylight this is a great place to start. Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of serotonin, the mood-boosting hormone, so open up any curtains or blinds that you might have to let the natural daylight flood in. Soak up the moving light and changing shapes. If you can go outside and feel the sunlight, even in the rain, this can have a real calming effect, slow your breathing and calm the mind.
However good sunlight is, if your work hours vary, or natural light is not always forthcoming (especially in Manchester), having some well-placed, relaxing ambient lighting, or candles - if practical, can help to create a calming environment. Just make sure you avoid the harsh, negative energy of flickering fluorescent lights.
Embrace the magic of plants
I am at risk of becoming a mad plant women, but I am relying on the science that plants can make you happier and calmer to justify it! Adding plants or flowers to your home and workspace will instantly help you to feel more at ease, and the simple task of watering them and nurturing them is calming in itself.
There is also some evidence that suggests talking to plants helps them grow, so it’s a win - win as they don’t answer back or judge you either.
There are some brilliant independent green fingered social media accounts out there to inspire you, but we are big fans of Cloud Gardener and Leaf Envy and well worth a follow.
Let us guide you through a simple meditation technique, whether you have a few minutes to spare or the luxury of time
Focused meditation
You may recall that we are big fans of candle meditation, but it's not always practical, especially if you’re looking to involve the whole family in some R&R! Focused meditation is accessible to anyone with a few minutes to spare, and it's also easy to get the children involved with too.
Choose something to focus on. You can choose anything to focus your attention on; that can be an object, a sound or even a sensation. Focusing on your breathing is a good choice since it is usually the entry point to any meditation practice. Or if you have an aroma diffuser they are a great alternative to candles as focusing on the plumes of mist and changing light can be very relaxing.
Get comfortable. It is best to be sitting upright. If you are sitting on the floor, prop yourself up with a cushion and straighten your spine. Then relax your body, loosen your shoulders and breathe from your belly.
Tune into the object. Zero into the sensations, including the sound, smell, sight, and details of your focal point. The idea isn't to think about it but simply do it, immersing yourself in the moment, paying attention to the sensations you experience and the details of the object as you inhale and exhale each breath.
Calm your inner voice (this is the hard part!). Before you know it you have lost focus on the object and zoned in on the running commentary in your head! It takes practice but if you find your mind wondering to your shopping list, gently turn your attention back to your chosen target. Start with short sessions and then build up, but you can do this anywhere and for however long you have.
Remember, you don’t need to be a perfectionist; sometimes that shopping list will win out!
If you are really short of time, save this short video to regulate your breathing.
So what’s stopping you, sit up straight, water your plants, fire up your aroma diffuser and cultivate your calm…
We’d love to hear the simple things you do to find those small moments of calm, please share in the comments so everyone can benefit from your tips. Thank you.
If you would like to stay in the know with flo then please subscribe to our newsletter and follow us Facebook, Instagram or Twitter