Posts Tagged ‘aromatherapy’

Admittedly, I simply love aromatherapy.  If you are not aware of the term or have never experienced aromatherapy, it is the art and science of using plant essential oils in the treatment of mind, body and spirit.  You may have experienced aromatherapy during a massage when the massage therapist used various oils to sooth and massage your body.

 

The inhalation of the oils during the treatment can have a very relaxing and mellow effect on your mind and on your body.  When the oils are used correctly there is no problem relative to safety; however, if you are unsure of an oil’s properties you should do your research or check with a holistic practitioner. However, you do not need a prescription nor do you need to see a doctor prior to using the treatment.

Aromatherapy can possibly offer an option to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to aid in the lessening of menopausal discomforts.

 

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Stress Management Gems and Insights to Ease YourTransition Through Menopause

Simple Guaranteed Stress Busters:

Design your abode, i.e., your living space, as your very own sanctuary; a respite from the outside world

You know all of those special items you’ve been saving for a special occasion? Well, why not use them to celebrate this day, a new beginning

I simply can’t resist recommending the use of a fountain or two in your home.  There is such a wonderful selection these days, as well as varied price ranges to select from Fountains help create a tranquil effect in your home

Engaging in leisure physical activity releases endorphins (the body’s natural stress reducer) which leads to a feeling of calm and euphoria

Using your hands in an enjoyable activity such as gardening, or needle work has proven to reduce stress.  Note:  For folks with limited or no yard space, use a window box for gardening activities

By exercising self-care you can be assured that you will be the primary beneficiary

Strive to live your life by frequently engaging in activities that bring you joy and increase your inner peace

11 Super Fun or relaxing  suggestions:

1.) go for a short hike,

2.) dust off the bicycle and go riding

3.) go roller skating

4.) go for an impromptu excursion

5.)  go for a swim

6.)  take a bubble bath with fragrance and use soft lighting to light the room.   Personally, I prefer a candle or two – it’s exciting.   There are so many varieties of soaps, gels, bath crystals, scrubs and oils to choose from these days!

7.)    go dancing

8.)   take an extra long lunch at one of your favorite spots with a special friend

9.)   spend a few hours in a rose garden (rose gardens are one of my favorite)

10.)    go for a walk along the water, watch the sun set (arrive about 15 minutes before)

11.)   treat yourself to a full body therapeutic massage – often

Note on Massages:

When it comes to massages, personally, I prefer Shiatsu. I find that some of the “magic” from the massage is minimized when I have to get dressed and drive home. So, in an

effort not to defeat the effects of the massage, on several occasions I treat myself to having a masseuse come to my home to provide the service of massage therapy.  By receiving

a massage in the comfort of your home you can maintain the relaxing and healing effects of the massage so much longer. You might pay a few dollars more, but aren’t you worth

it? Oh yes, a massage with aromatherapy is heavenly. Whether in your home or not, discover the pleasure of a massage.

 

 

Massage with hot stones…so very relaxing what a treat!

A Word About Soap:

I’ve been using liquid peppermint soap for years now and “don’t leave home without it.”J I begin each morning with the ritual of putting an ample amount of peppermint soap on

a very warm face towel and simply cover my entire face with the towel…I apply several applications while inhaling deeply each time.  The fragrance and the properties of the

peppermint will stimulate your senses, has a calming effect and is a very pleasant way to begin your day.

 

Lavender not only creates a sense of euphoria and relaxation and is very inexpensive.  Keep some in your car, home or office to enjoy daily.

Pamper yourself … make visits to the hair salon regularly so that you look your best.

I also recommend you commit to taking time out to recharge your “battery” by escaping to a sauna or spa.

 

Make An Appointment for A Facial…You Will Gain Two Rewarding Benefits:

1st –        They are very relaxing

 

 

 

 

2nd-       Your skin receives a deep cleaning and toning

….more on tips de-stressing

How about taking some time out for a few days and committing to a retreat.  It’s almost guaranteed that you will come home feeling renewed

Slow your pace…get outside and take a leisurely stroll in an area you find relaxing or stimulating

Go to your special coffee shop or bookstore, order your beverage of choice and do some reading for pleasure

Sleep in at your earliest opportunity and go to your favorite restaurant for breakfast or brunch (for a real treat you can hire a chef  to prepare and serve your meal in your home)

Break out of your everyday routine and do something spontaneous.  Go to a matinee and see a movie you’ve been wanting to see, go to the beach, take your shoes off and walk along the sand, visit your local museum and go to lunch afterward, take a short jaunt and explore an interesting area – bottom line, do something fun and different

….when you get out of balance

Practice being more patient with both yourself and others

Maintain humility

Learn to take everything in stride; gain control over your emotions

Remember this saying “this too shall pass”

Free yourself of your negative feelings which may include resentment, guilt, regret, disappointment or hurt.  In other words, get rid of “baggage” and do your best to work toward ridding yourself of regret

 

…on breathe

Simple breathing techniques can help to lower your stress level.  Since I have become more conscious of just how important proper breathing is to stress management, I’ve frequently discovered that I’m not breathing fully.  Instead of taking deep full breaths, I’m too often guilty of shallow breathing. To experience proper breathing, lie on your bed with pillows under your head and knees.  Place hands on your stomach above the navel and take a full breath into the abdomen, repeat about 10 times. Now, just lie still for a few minutes and relax…

…make room in both your emotional and physical space

Get rid of clutter!  This includes in your house, car, office, files, purse, wallet, closet, refrigerator and any other area that is filled with unnecessary clutter.  In Feng Shui, (an ancient set of Chinese principals covering every aspect of life and death) clutter is associated with blocked chi or energy.  By letting go of clutter, you will free up your energy

Release yourself from the trappings of an “over-loaded” life.   We’ve made much technological headway over the last century but now we’re overloaded with too many e-mails, phone messages, errands, appointments, as well as far too many unread papers and books

 

Continue to establish order in your life….

One of my favorite books, “The Game of Life and How To Play It,” focuses on this very subject. The author, Florence Scovel- Shinn, draws an analogy between the universe and our lives.  She discusses how the universe is in splendid order and how if our lives are not in order, we become out of sync with the universe.

The fact of the matter is, when there is chaos, clutter and constant drama in our lives, we are out of balance

…creating your world

Frequently ask yourself these questions:  “When do I feel at peace?” and   “ How often am I engaging in activities that bring about peace?”

Open your heart to all that is good and expect goodness

Remember to smile and  laugh often!

 

Note:

Laughter is actually extremely healthy for you.

While in a state of laughter, your body produces endorphins (which gives you a natural high) and naturally discharges tension that is associated with 4 primary negative emotions:

4 Primary Negative Emotions:

1.) Depression

2.) Anxiety

3.) Fear

4.) Anger

 

The Use of Color:

Colors affects your state of well-being.  For example, the color blue with natural hues, resembling water or the sky, stimulates compassion and hope.

Where as natural shades of green like olive, khaki, jade, sage, sea-foam and deep-forest bring about emotional balance and represent growth.

Earth tones such as browns, taupe, red-clay, burnt-orange and yellow-gold, represent grounding, which is your connection to nature and God.  Whites in shades of ivories and eggshell represent the transcendental feeling of purity and clarity

When you use bolder colors, keep them earthy in hue, such as eggplant-purple and sunflower-yellow.  Experiment with a few colors that are new to you and see which colors work best for you

 

…insights for calming and  creating harmony

Discover a few inspirational CD’s  and listen to them while driving or taking a walk

You can also listen to one of those wonderful “sounds of nature” tapes in the morning while preparing for your business day. Avoid jumping out of the bed and rushing around in the morning.  Spend a few minutes getting centered

Be sure to get the amount of rest each night that is right for you.  Great healing comes when your body is at rest.

Don’t amplify negative situations, strive to be objective. Walk away from the situation if you can in order to give yourself time to think clearly and to view both sides.  Confucius said, “The gentleman calls attention to the good points in others; he does not call attention to their defects.  The small man does just the reverse of this.”

Keep in mind that life has hurdles that can hinder your path from time to time.  Find resourceful ways to overcome them

Never allow a stressful situation to consume you.  Make efforts to take control.   You can engage in a physical or mental activity to lessen the stress

Don’t spend your time comparing yourself to others. We  are all unique and so very special

Appreciate and live in the moment

Work to your fullest potential… Discover your niche in life

Go out and have some fun, swim, dance, sing, play, write, create, walk, imagine, act, laugh, hike, hang out with a really good friend and don’t watch the time, most of all take           the time to enjoy your life…

The goal is to maintain or return to your Natural State of Well-Being as your transitional through menopause…

Thanks for visiting and reading my post….

Please feel free to leave a comment…I love to hear from my readers.

To your excellent health!

Ameenah