This week I have given myself too much work to do and my 'To-Do-List' is looking a bit crazy. So, I needed to follow my own advice and make sure I stopped for a little me time and self-care this week too – I started with a nice treat yesterday - I had my first professional massage in a very long time. I have seen my reflexologist, but a full body massage was just what the doctor ordered to ease my aching muscles after the joy of cycling up and down the hills of Wales. Bliss!
Nothing can beat the hands-on healing experience of visiting a holistic therapist, but we don't always have the time or money to make that much-needed appointment. Plus, for me and some of my clients, there's still a tiny bit of guilt too. I mean, I've just had a week off.
Wouldn't it be nice then if you could treat yourself from the comfort of your own home? The good news is you can!
From grounding visualisations to meditative breathwork, and relaxing aromatherapy, there are loads of self-help techniques to boost your energy, beat stress, and restore balance and harmony to your life, even if time is short. Try the five ideas below and be your own holistic healer for a day!
#1. Start your day with a positive visualisation
When you wake up in the morning, instead of reaching for your phone, use a creative visualisation technique to make your goals and dreams come true. As you wake up, lie in bed and picture your perfect day, thinking about this for a few moments. As you think about the day ahead and all its activities and interactions, you are setting an intention.
Choose a word that represents who and how you want to be throughout the day, then call it to mind frequently. Try words such as energised, joyful, focused, purposeful, and my favourite C's, calm, confident and caring.
#2. Revitalise your body
A few smart therapy techniques can help to kick start your body in the morning. Before you head into the shower, try body brushing to stimulate your lymphatic system and flush out toxins.
With a natural bristle brush, gentle sweep across your entire body, always brushing in the direction of the heart. Jump in the shower, then before you finish turn the temperature to ice-cold, which will help with circulation and to restore radiance.
#3. Ground yourself
Why not take a morning walk. You can use this time to practice powerful mindfulness techniques to bring about focus and clarity. Paying attention to the present moment is a great way to set yourself up for the day, and, it's one of the easiest things you can do.
Just clear your mind of racing thoughts and anxious chatter and focus on walking. Focus on the sights, sounds and smells around you. Focus on the movement of your body, and the feel of your feet on the ground. If your mind wanders, that's ok, bring it back to the walk and your breath.
#4. Try restorative breathwork
If you're feeling a bit frazzled during a busy day, then tap into the healing power of the breath and reduce stress in a matter of minutes. Taking deep breaths activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which restores your heart rate and relaxes your muscles.
One of the most popular techniques is the 4-7-8 method. Try it for yourself: close your mouth and inhale through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound for a count of eight. Repeat the cycle three times, and you'll soon be a picture of calm and serenity.
#5. Energise with oils
Don't let that mid-afternoon slump get you down. Harness the power of essential oils to give you a natural high. Essential oils trigger specific pathways in the brain, which in turn can affect your hormone levels, boosting your energy levels for the rest of the day.
My absolute favourite blend is the Women's Balance – it's calm and serenity in a bottle! This balancing blend works together to relax, calm and restore balance to your body and mind and is nearly always in the diffuser in the therapy room.
But there is also the Meditation Blend which encourages slower, deeper breathing. It creates a wonderfully restful yet uplifting aroma, that can be diffused to help promote a sense of calm and focus, ready for meditation or when you want to create a moment of zen.
Simply add your chosen blend to your diffuser, favourite body lotion, or a bowl of pine cones to naturally fragrance the room.
Happy Healing!
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