16 Feb How Aromatherapy can Support your Healthy Routines in 2024
In Winter it’s not uncommon to find ourselves wanting to stay at home or even in bed that little bit longer to keep snug and warm, especially after the cosy homeliness Winter and Christmas may have afforded us just a few weeks ago. The colder weather brings with it the inevitability of blocked noses, Winter chills and the temptation to stay indoors in an almost hibernatory fashion, but as hard as it may be, the creation of some new routines or structure to your days this Spring may be just what you need.
Tidy up your Circadian Rhythms, AKA your Sleep Schedule
If your regular sleeping and waking routine has taken a hit during the darker days, you may need to re-assess your routine. Experts recommend prioritising sleep by getting seven to nine hours of it a night ; this structure is imperative to good health and consistency is the key to reaping the rewards of a good night’s rest. At Absolute Aromas we think sleep is so important that we have designed a super soothing and relaxing blend of Essential Oil products to elevate your holistic health by supporting rest and sleep: The Goodnight blend contains notes of Lavender, Chamomile, Geranium and Bergamot and it’s a lovely synergy of scents to diffuse around your bedroom at night, or add to your pre-sleep bath.
Make a few Simple Changes to Eating Habits
It’s pretty common to have overindulged during the colder months – rich, comforting foods can play a part in feeling sluggish and de-motivated; combine that with dark evenings and cold weather, it’s a recipe for craving heavy, comforting food. Simple changes including swapping processed, refined foods (think white bread, pasta and cereals) for whole foods, plus hefty quantities of vegetables and fruits. Doing this can effectively lower blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, help with digestion and have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive either, but it may require some creativity, planning and motivation to create inspiring and tasty meals that are also healthy and keep you fuelled!
For those of you who like a sweet treat, consider replacing that treat with a new routine – instead of a cuppa and a few biscuits or chocolate, consider some self-care instead. A mini manicure can be a nice treat, or a enjoy bath with some luxurious Essential Oils like Rose or Geranium.
A Fresh Start with Fresh Air
One of the most important things you can do for your overall health is to prioritise getting enough physical activity. Getting daily exercise doesn’t have to be intense or complicated. Taking a quick walk around your neighbourhood or local park can have significant benefits for everyone, no matter an individual’s fitness level.
If you can, find a partner, friend or family member (two or four-legged) to help keep you motivated to move. A third party can help you stay on track, and you’ll have more fun doing it and are more likely to make it a routine rather than a one-off activity. Finding exercise you like is a key factor in wanting to engage with it regularly. Essential Oils like Peppermint and Lime or Lemon can be energising and motivational, so try inhaling a little on a tissue before partaking in exercise.
If you suffer from poor circulation and have cold feet and cold hands at this time of year, then warming Essential Oils such as Black Pepper, Cardamom, Clove, Ginger, Marjoram and Rosemary are just the thing for you. Choose 3 oils from this list and add 2 drops of each to 10ml of your chosen carrier oil or lotion. Rub your blend vigorously into your frosty fingers or feet and you will feel a warm glow spread throughout your body as your circulation gets moving. This will hopefully hep you feel a bit more motivated too and inspire you to get up and out!
Chat with an expert
It is always easier to stay on top of health goals with an expert by your side. Your GP, a personal trainer or dietician can help navigate every aspect of health and wellness, from health goal to a new health diagnosis. It’s also a key point to note that before embarking on any new routines and regimes, to make sure they are compliant with any health requirements or restrictions you may have. There are also many online tools to help you with your routines – diet and fitness trackers, food diaries and exercise journals are a great way to track your progress and keep you focussed.
Water really Works!
While you may have heard the old adage to drink eight cups of water daily, you might not know that there is a strong correlation between hydration and immune health. From helping to flush waste and regulate the digestive system, to supporting skin health and cushioning the body’s vital organs, drinking water has a plethora of health benefits and adequately hydrating is crucial. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make sure you are getting your fill, try a water bottle with time markers to help you track your intake throughout the day. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated too and your water intake will have a huge impact on this. You can support your skin health by opting for daily moisturisation with one of our carefully designed face-oils like Nourish, from our Spa Collection. Rich, yet easily absorbed, this luxurious facial oil is formulated with a complex blend of 11 essential oils including Jasmine, Rose, Neroli & Sandalwood to regenerate, balance and replenish. Used sparingly, twice daily after cleansing, this liquid gold in a bottle will last you several months and can also be used as a hydrating pick-me-up on other areas too like dry elbows and knees.
Essential Oils – Naturally Anti-Bacterial
You may have had enough of the scent of Cinnamon over Christmas as it’s a popular ingredient in festive candle and home fragrance scents when combined with Orange, Cloves or Pine. However, this Essential Oil contains around 80 per cent aromatic phenols. A phenol is a naturally occurring organic compound which is well-known for its antibacterial, antifungal properties. It holds great protective powers that can be used as a natural defence for those unavoidable Winter chills. To use Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil as an inhalation, fill a bowl with warm water and add three or four drops of the oil. Close your eyes, lean over the bowl and breathe slowly. For the best results, place a large towel over your head and ensure it surrounds the bowl.
You can also use Cinnamon Leaf with other antibacterial Essential Oils in an Aromatherapy base lotion with the added benefit of beautifully smelling skin. You can add this inhalation regime to your new health regime as a regular weekly routine.
We hope some of these ideas have inspired you into some new and healthy regimes to kickstart your 2024 and help you feel focussed and positive!