How Natural Scents Can Help You Manage Sleep and Stress During Uncertain Times
Posted by Samantha Lawson, Oct 06, 2020
Hands up who has noticed some changes in their sleeping patterns lately? Yep, well you’re not alone. ‘New new normal’, constant change, and uncertainty will definitely do that to you. Whether you're not getting enough sleep, or you're sleeping in later than expected, many of us have experienced disruption in our routines.
Luckily, with some small changes (like using natural scents), you can get back on track and catch just the right amount of Zzzs.
How is the pandemic affecting my sleep cycle?
The impact of the pandemic has undoubtedly been widespread, and most, if not all, of us have felt it in one way or another. If you're working from home more than you did before, you may be feeling the effects of less natural exercise and less natural sunlight.
Naturally, your circadian rhythm (otherwise known as your body's internal clock) might be a little off-centre. Snacking a little more than usual or eating a lot before bed may also be impacting your sleep cycle, through changes in your digestive system.
Feeling out of your day-to-day routine is no fun for anyone, especially when it affects your sleep. Studies show that a lack of sleep can play a role in your mood. Not getting the right amount of sleep can also make it harder for you to stay focused during the day.
Feeling more stressed lately? We’ve got you.
We’re with you! Go out, stay in. Do the right thing, get back to normal. With all these worries playing on our minds, our collective stress is beginning to peak beyond our comfort levels, and you might find yourself busier than ever.
To help you get started on that break, we’ve got some tips for you depending on which issues you’re experiencing.
What you can do if you’re having trouble sleeping.
If you're having a hard time sleeping at night because of a change in routine, walks outside or light at-home-workouts are great ways to keep healthy, energised, and help train your body to know when it's time to be active; instead of feeling sleepy all day and having plenty of energy at night.
If you’re pressed for time, these workouts don't have to be lengthy. You can start by fitting in just 10-minute workouts, five times a week. Try a low impact workout or dynamic mat pilates. Slowly work your way up to twice a day on weekdays and you could experience stress relief in just two weeks.
There are other things you can do, in addition to exercise. This is where those natural scents we mentioned come in. The reason certain fragrances are so powerful in helping to adjust our habits is that inhaling them releases feel-good chemicals in our bodies.
Help yourself get ready for bed by running a relaxing bubble bath with our Bedtime Hero Bath Foam. Enjoy the softening marshmallow, coconut oil, and soothing aloe, and let a feeling of calm wash over you.
How you can manage your stress levels?
If you’re feeling more anxious than usual, there are a couple of things that can help bring you back to base. Exercise is good for your overall health, so it’s no surprise that it can help with both sleep and stress. Running, walking, swimming, or yoga can all help you feel more calm and relaxed. Eating a balanced and healthy diet can also help your body regulate the psychological changes that contribute to stress.
Another way to help reduce feelings of anxiety is by using essential oils. Natural scents aren’t just for sleeping well at night; they can also help you to stay calm and relaxed throughout the day. In traditional medicine and aromatherapy, essential oils and fragrances have been used to treat things such as headaches, stress-induced anxiety, and depression.
The Moment of Calm Essential Oil Blend is a de-stressing newbie in our collection. With scents of wild rose and neroli, this blend can help lift your mood and promote feelings of inner peace. If you’re new to essential oils, the Moment of Calm Pod Starter Pack is the perfect way to turn your home into a serene and tranquil sanctuary.
Scent to Sleep & Scent to De-Stress
To set yourself up to be more productive, we have a few scents and ingredients we highly recommend. They can help you relax or at least reduce the stresses of the day, and prepare you for a good night’s sleep.
Better sleep
Lavender: Lavender has certainly earned its popular reputation. It can be great for sleep because it acts as a natural, light sedative that can gracefully help people with insomnia. Try mixing our Perfect Night's Sleep Magnesium Body Butter with some mindful breathing for lavender-scented dreams and restful sleep.
Relax & de-stress
Geranium: Are you looking for a scent to manage your stress? Studies have shown that, when inhaled, geranium can reduce anxiety levels and may even lower diastolic blood pressure. Sometimes stress creeps up on us right when we're trying to prepare for a peaceful slumber, so it wouldn't hurt to have products with geranium oil nearby.
Better sleep & de-stress
Jasmine: Have you woken up feeling tired after getting plenty of sleep? You're not alone! While sleep inertia is a common part of waking up, sometimes we feel tired in the morning because of poor quality sleep and it can add to our daily worries. Jasmine can help control the nervous system and reduce restlessness. With the Perfect Night's Sleep Scented Candle, you'll be relaxed and ready for a good night’s sleep. Simply burn the candle for 2-4 hours, practice some mindful breathing techniques, and let your mind slip away.
A wide array of fragrances and essential oils allows you the freedom to choose something that fits your personality and works for you. With a few small changes to your daily routine, you'll be on track to feeling productive from sunrise to sundown—and then some!
