Mental Health Awareness Week 18th-24th May
Mental Health is not really what I talk about often and openly.
I've been struggling with Anxiety for a long time but haven't even known it. Growing up nobody talked about mental health and when I felt down and sad or fearful and worried which was most of the time, I just got on with it and waited for it to pass. Nobody seemed to understand what I went through so I decided it's best not to talk about it.
It also took me a long time to come round to talk about it ( IF/ when I do), but still makes me a little uncomfortable. I know it's not what I've done, it's who I am but even though sometimes it feels like a weakness.
Luckily there are a number of things that seems to help when I'm feeling anxious (depending on where I am), for example
counting; directing my thoughts on numbers or colours even (when I'm not at home)
watching my favourite movies (people who know me which franchise it is:)
reading a book or even a magazine (although I prefer books, craft magazines, no fast fashion for me)
a long walk in nature
meditation and yoga
workout
knitting of course- I love the motion going left to right and I always count every row, usually up to 10 and then start again
embroidery
listening to my favourite audiobook
planning, creating lists of what I will do in the upcoming days/ weeks
Every night before bed I have a strict routine that I repeat every day.
Just before bed I spray my pillow with a lavender blend pillow mist. I love the smell!
This is where the idea came from for the Soothing Lavender Eye Pillows and Lavender bags.
Of course, the Lavender Bags can be used for your drawers, wardrobe and to repel moths but still, I keep one on my pillow.
Relaxing in the garden; sewing in the ends on the soon-to-be Soothing Lavender Eye Pillows and Lavender Bags; then reading my new book.
I've been experimenting a lot with the "recipe" for the eye pillows: the dry organic ingredients are the same but previously I've added organic Rose essential oils to the mixture which now has been swapped for Ylang Ylang. They both smell amazing but I find that Ylang Ylang goes better with Lavender if the desired outcome is relaxation.
Benefits of Lavender
Lavender essential oil is a really popular aromatherapy choice for relaxation and sleep.
There are several studies show using lavender oil for aromatherapy can improve sleep quality, including in people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Aromatherapy using essential lavender oil may also increase time spent in deep sleep.
For anxiety, stress, and depression.
Lavender has been well studied for its anxiolytic, or anxiety relieving effects. Studies show both oral lavender and inhaled lavender may reduce anxiety. Scientists have found similar types of results for lavender’s effectiveness in treating depression. Both lavender taken orally and lavender used in aromatherapy may improve mild-to-moderate depression.
Lavender oil aromatherapy has been shown to reduce the physical and emotional signs of stress, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and increasing feelings of relaxation and calm.
There are so many studies about the benefits of lavender around, but I'm happy with my own experience regarding my lavender products.
Soothing Lavender Eye Pillows and Lavender Bags- Gifts Collection