Searching for natural ways to feel relaxed and calm? Wanting to leave stress behind even for just a period of time? In our last blogpost we discussed the benefits of enjoying a relaxing massage regularly. Would you like to know more about the wonderful Thai Yoga massage we offer at Clayton Yoga Studio? Visit our Thai Yoga page.
What other natural methods will help you relax at the end of a stressful day?
Aromatherapy Baths
Slipping into a hot bath at the end of a long day is so therapeutic! The warmth of a bath can relax any tension you are carrying in your muscles as well as relieve feelings of extreme fatigue and stress. Heat has wonderful healing properties. Just imagine a hot mud pack on your back… your muscles melting into joyful relaxation and back pain disappearing as a result.
Aromatherapy baths combine the healing properties of hot water with soothing fragrances that promote feelings of peace and calm.
Some of the most popular essential oils used to invite relaxation and calm are: chamomile, juniper, lavender, rosewood, sandalwood, sage, and ylang ylang. Out tip: definitely try our favorite ylang ylang – such a soothing fragrance!
Which aromatherapy oil you want to use is a personal preference. Many people love how the smell of lavender can transport them into a relaxed space. It is important to mention that you might be allergic to some of the aromatherapy scents so always try the scent “dry” aka see if you like the smell at all before jumping into the bath you fragranced with a new scent.
These oils all have their own unique properties that may be better suited for certain problems. For your first aromatherapy bath, try simple fragrances such as lavender and marjoram, which also can help with falling sleep easier.
Limit your aromatherapy bath to 20-30 minutes. Be careful not to overburden the water with oils – use just a few drops of your essential oil(s) of choice. Essential oils are powerful and highly concentrated. Don’t forget: a little goes a long way. Overexposure to these substances can cause rash and irritation to sensitive skin.
Meditation
Meditation is a practice that encourages you to train your mind to engage in focused attention or mindfulness. Focused attention is when you think or meditate on a prayer, mantra, or an inspirational quote in order to achieve inner peace.
Meditation is a perfect way to reduce stress and get in touch with your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Individuals who practice meditation regularly are more in tune with their bodies and able to recognize how their thoughts and feelings are affecting them physically. This helps them to optimize relaxation and reduce stress.
Meditation has a deeply beneficial impact on our lives! It has been proven to decrease the impact of depression, anxiety, and stress. It is also a great practice for high blood pressure and heart disease patients. And it can even boosts immunity! It also improves cognitive focus, attention, and even memory.
Meditation is one of the most effective methods of relaxation where as little as 5 to 10 minutes can make a huge difference in your overall well being.
Haven’t started meditating yet? Ask your yoga teacher at Clayton Yoga Studio to include a nice meditation practice in yoga class next time you come to the studio!
Yes, warm aromatherapy baths! Ahhhhh. Perfect for the winter!
Thai yoga massage – oh my! How amazing!!
It’s fascinating that how inward gaze into Atman helps to reveal so many mysteries of outer world, which even science has challenge to discover!
A soak in the tub is peaceful and has been part of my practice since I was a teen. I sometimes use clean candles (pure light) for aromatherapy as well. I also like calming music to really help relax and take away the stress of the day.
So excited to FINALLY try an aromatherapy bath this week after our first three days of class! I love lavender (who doesn’t) and sage but have never really heard of ylang ylang so definitely going to have to check that out! Meditation is definitely something that I enjoy incorporating into my bath time rituals 🙂 I may not be the most comfortable with open water but baths are always relaxing and calming, so adding a little bit of meditation in with it makes it all the more enjoyable.