Relaxation Moments

Relaxation, Peace and Serenity for the Mind and Body

Hygge Sounds And Scents To Help You Relax And Unwind

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Self-Care Ideas

When you think about what a hygge home has in it, you probably are thinking of candles, comfortable seating, fluffy pillows and cozy blankets. But, the concept of hygge can be felt by all of our senses, not just touch and sight. Sounds and scents are just as important when trying to achieve a hygge-inspired space that helps you relax and unwind.

Sound plays a very big role in our everyday lives, even though we may not realize it. We are constantly inundated with sounds, to the point where we’ve adapted to be able to block most of them out. The sounds that surround us daily though, have a physiological effect on us- they can affect our heart rate, breathing and hormone secretions. Since we know that sounds are such a big part of how we feel, it makes sense to manipulate the sounds around us to ensure relaxation and calmness within the day. Studies suggest that some of the most relaxing sounds to us are the sounds of nature. Sounds like ocean waves crashing on the beach, raindrops, a babbling brook and even thunderstorms are natural sounds that aid in relaxation. To make this possible in your hygge space at home, you could use a nature noise machine or even use your phone or tablet to listen to sounds of nature app. When you curl up with your favorite book, under your cozy blanket, be sure to use some relaxing sounds to further your feeling of hygge.

Scent is another sense that shouldn’t go unattended to when developing your hygge space. One way to incorporate scent into your daily relaxation routine is with essential oils. Aromatherapy essential oils have become very popular in recent years because of their power to make people feel good. Studies have shown that aromatherapy has the ability to help relieve stress and aid in a better night’s sleep. Lavender, peppermint and cinnamon are some of the most used scents for calming and reduction of anxiety. These can be put to use in your home with specifically scented candles or essential oil diffusers. You can even put a few drops of oil on your pillows or blankets, so that when you use them, you are immediately feeling more tranquil and relaxed.

When setting up your hygge centered space, do not neglect your senses of sound or scent. Strategically thought out sounds and scents that help promote relaxation, calmness and happiness are vital pieces of your hygge home atmosphere.

Bring The Hygge Magic Of Fire Into Your Home

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Campfires have always been used to keep us warm, as well as for social gatherings and to make friends. Some studies show that the relaxing feeling we get from sitting next to a crackling campfire is evolutionary. We have actually evolved to feel calm and cared-for when we sit by a fire. So, it’s no surprise that one of the essentials that provide a home with the magic of the hygge feeling is fire. The cozy and welcoming feeling that fire brings into a home can be accomplished in many different ways.

A fireplace can easily bring the ultimate magic of hygge into your home. The soothing light of a fire will make your home feel comfortable and welcoming. Gas fireplaces have gained in popularity because of their convenience. They will do the trick, as well. Harness the magic even further, by providing a comfortable place to sit to enjoy the warm glow with a cozy blanket, hot tea and your favorite book or magazine.

If you don’t have a fireplace in your home, the flame of candles will do just fine to help you achieve the hygge feeling in your living space. Place various candles around your home in places you tend to hang out in frequently. Side tables next to your favorite chair by the window, on your countertop in the kitchen, on your bedside table and in the living room on a shelf – these are all optimal places to enjoy the dim, warming light that a candle produces. The soft flicker of a candle flame will bring a cozy atmosphere to any room.

A wood stove is another great way to bask in the radiance of the natural light of fire. Wood stoves are a bit of a thing of the past, as they were widely used before electric heaters. But, the nostalgia and functionality of a wood burning stove, makes it a wonderful addition to a hygge home.

An electric fireplace is a good option as well. Electric fireplaces can be purchased for any home because they don’t require a chimney or a smoke stack. Electric fireplaces can be made to feel more authentic by installing them with a mantle and decorating it like you would with a wood burning fireplace. The light put off by an eclectic fireplace will make your home feel just as warm and cozy.

The last way you can bring the magic of fire into your home, is through use of the fireplace channel on your TV or even on your computer or tablet. Although a digital fire may seem unconventional, in today’s world, it’s a viable option. We may not all have the ability within our living spaces to have a fireplace and this choice works just fine. A digital fire does bring coziness into the room, try it out, you may be surprised how well it actually works!

Hygge Is A Feeling And A Lifestyle

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Hygge, pronounced (Hue-gah), is a word used widely by Danish and Norweigan people to describe a feeling of well-being, protection and coziness. Denmark’s cold season is long and brutal. The idea of hygge was formed as a survival strategy to psychologically help people to get through the long winters. Although the feeling of hygge is mainly associated with winter, hygge can be achieved in any month of the year. Hygge is a concept that has become a way of life for the people of Denmark; it’s an emotional state of being. In recent years, the hygge moment has made its way to the US and has become a bit of an Instagram sensation. But even before the movement, all of us have felt hygge before it got popular, on social media. Maybe we just didn’t know there was a name for it. The essence of hygge can be described as the feeling you get when you laugh with good friends, curl up in a blanket to read your favorite book, or the warm and homey feeling that you get from sitting by a fire with a bowl of homemade soup on a cold day.

If you’re interested in the hygge lifestyle for yourself, you can start small by creating a simple hygge corner of your home. An ideal spot for your little hygge corner will be a comfortable seat by a window, if possible. Since the concept of hygge incorporates a contrast between the outside elements and being secure and well cared for inside your home, being able to see the outside is perfect. But, if you don’t have that option in your home, that’s ok too – pick a spot that has a comfortable seat and maybe a small side table.

Although hygge is more of a concept than something you buy, there are some decorating tips that will help you to create a hygge vibe. Coziness is a key component to creating your hygge corner, so think about putting out your warm blankets and favorite accent pillows to ensure you have a comfortable and soothing place to sit. Layer different textures and linens for a homey feel. Lighting is another key element to creating hygge in your home. You’ll want to put some candles near your chair and on the nearby tables. Lit candles will help induce a warm color palette and the feeling of intimacy in your designated nook. Books and natural or organic decor will further your hygge vibe as well. You certainly don’t need to spend a lot of money, if any at all, to create a nook that evokes hygge within your home.

The Many Benefits of Solitude

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While no one wants to feel lonely, there are many benefits to spending time alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, struggling to concentrate, or just need some time to yourself, a little solitude might be just what you need.

Even if you live in a big city, there are ways to take out some time to yourself without the presence of others.

Everyone would be well-served to have some time alone each day.

Solitude is better than you think! Consider these benefits:

  1. You learn a lot about yourself. It’s hard to give yourself a lot of attention and notice the more subtle aspects of yourself when there are other people and activity swirling around you all day long. Spending time alone gives you a chance to breathe and take a look at yourself.

    1. You have the luxury of noticing your thoughts and thought patterns when you’re alone. You can observe things about yourself that are hard to see when you’re distracted.

  1. It’s much easier to focus. Solitude leads to much greater focus. Imagine having hours of uninterrupted time to focus on a single task or goal. It’s life-altering.

  2. Your creativity will soar. Nearly all of the greatest scientists, authors, artists, composers, musicians, and inventors live in solitude much of the time. Solitude can enable you to achieve the level of creativity necessary to excel in these fields.

  3. You’re more productive. You can get a lot more done when you spend time in solitude. Every distraction requires time and energy to recover and get back on track.

    1. You can often accomplish much more in a couple of hours by yourself than you can in a full day with others around.

  1. You can focus on yourself and your needs. Solitude gives you the opportunity to take care of yourself. You can explore your interests. You can spend your time on yourself. If there are other people around, they usually want you to spend your time on them instead.

  2. Solitude can benefit your mental health. Spending some time alone on a regular basis can do wonders for your mental health. Being alone gives you a chance to unwind and take a break from the stress of dealing with others.

How to Create Solitude

It’s not necessary to live in the wilderness to create solitude each day.

Try these easy strategies:

  1. Shut your door. Getting some alone time can be as simple as hanging a “Do Not Disturb” sign and shutting your door. You don’t have to seclude yourself on a mountain top to enjoy some solitude.

  2. Turn off your phone. Turn off your cell phone if you’re truly interested in getting a break.

  3. Eat alone. If you don’t have an office at work, perhaps you can enjoy a little escape during lunch. Eating alone can be a time of peace and relaxation.

  4. Make the most of your weekends. The weekend can be a great time to schedule some time by yourself. Visit the park, sit on your deck, take a long walk, or just at home alone.

  5. Take a trip. If necessary, get out of town for a few days and seclude yourself. Many authors use this tactic to finish a book.

Solitude is great for your mind, body, and spirit!

While the idea of solitude might give you visions of someone living in a cabin in the wilderness, it’s possible to create solitude nearly anywhere.

Spend a little time alone each day and see what happens to your mood and your work. You’ll soon look forward to your period of solitude each day.

The Joy of Laughter

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“Laughter is the best medicine” is a phrase that dates back to biblical times as an old Proverb and people still widely use this phrase all over the world today. That’s because it’s true!

Let’s take a look at what happens inside your body, mind and spirit when you laugh.

Laughter’s Effect on Your Body

Endorphins are released throughout your body, stimulating muscles, nerves, organs and tissues when you laugh. Studies show these endorphins give relief to chronic pain, help to relieve stress and promote functioning of the immune system. Laughter literally helps heal your body.

Laughter and Your Mind

Happy thoughts lead to a more positive outlook on life. When you’re hanging out with friends and having good conversation that produces smiles and laughter, your mind’s producing happy thoughts.

On the other hand, if you’re always around people who never smile and always find something to complain about, you’ll lean toward a more negative outlook on life.

Strengthening Your Inner Being

Laughing causes your inner being to be emotionally and physically strengthened. When you laugh or even smile, your inner being is stimulated in an affirmative way, producing a more positive outlook on life. This helps your body produce more self-healing endorphins, which actually helps your body remain healthy and running optimally!

Boosting Your Spirits

Laughter causes a lift in your spirits, helping you feel uplifted. Laughter not only helps you personally, it’s also very contagious and infectious, which helps those around you feel less stress and anxious.

Don’t you just love it when you hear a baby or toddler laugh? What happens to you? You can’t help but laugh too! Laughter begins to develop in humans as early as 3 months of age and a baby’s laughter is one of the most contagious of all human sounds.

Laughter and Your Relationships

When two people share a funny story or a silly situation arises between two people, there’s a unique bonding that is created. Something special is formed between the two that only they can relate with. It’s an inside joke that is special to those who’ve shared in the moment.

When two people spend a lot of time together in laughter, a stronger, more ever-lasting relationship develops.

In a marriage, studies show couples that laugh together stay together much longer, if not for life. Think about a truly happy couple you know. Sure, every family has their issues and marriage takes work, but chances are they spend a lot of time laughing together. This doesn’t happen by accident either. It can be created and fostered!

When you choose to embrace laughter, you’ll be able to get through many more rough spots in life and come out a happier and healthier person.

Life can be tough, so why not choose to make it more joyous? You can if you choose to.

Always try to find joy in every situation and laugh as often as possible each and every day. Also, by spending more time around positive people, who love life and love to laugh, you’ll be amazed at how you begin to feel on the inside and out!

It’s Time to Start Living in the Present

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If you are depressed, more than likely you are thinking too much about the past. If you are anxious, you are obsessing about your future. The best way to handle either of these is to concentrate on the present moment which can help calm you. This is easier said than done, but if you are worried about what you have done in the past, remember there is nothing you can do about it. You cannot change it.

Using experiences of your past is okay since you want to try to avoid making the same mistakes. But, when you are constantly thinking about past events to the point where they stress you out, it’s time to let them go.

You may be dealing with the consequences of something that you were responsible for in the past. However, you are still dealing with the consequences now, in the present, and so you should handle them with that in mind. The most important aspect of the past is to make sure you learn from it.

Planning certain aspects of your future is important. However, nothing is for sure, and any plan you set up may not come to pass. In that case, you’d probably need to change the plan. You may also need to change plans that you’re making now. You’ll need to make decisions now that affect your future. But don’t obsess about this either.

Some people get so hung up on planning for their future that they forget to live their lives in the moment. What happens if you are not around to enjoy those plans? You will have spent your entire life not living the way you should.

Another problem with living entirely for the future is you will miss out on enjoying life with your kids. They grow so fast, and that is one part of your past you will regret, i.e., not spending time and doing more with them. By living in the present and not worrying so much about other time frames, you will have memories with your family that you can always look back on. Family memories are a great part of your past and something that you can happily think about anytime you want.

If you do look back on your life, you will see that everything worked out. When situations occurred, you handled them, and you moved on. Just think about that the next time you find yourself dwelling on the past or the future. Someday, the situation you are experiencing right now will be a part of your past.

Staying Calm Audio Book

Trying to Stay Calm? Time to Take Up a Hobby

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Hobbies can be a great way to give yourself a break from your daily routine. Sometimes, you may take up a hobby with family and friends. Usually however, people like to start a hobby on their own. It gives them the peace of mind needed to stay calm.

You may think you don’t have time for a hobby. The truth is, you cannot afford not to have one. If you are stressed out at work or with your home life, taking on a hobby may help you survive. It helps you relax and escape for a moment in time.

Of course, you don’t want to use a hobby to escape to the point of not dealing with your problems. You still need to handle your day-to-day situations when they arise. The hobby is supposed to enhance your life, not replace it.

How do you get started with a hobby? First, determine what hobbies you like. If you daydream about certain activities frequently, this is a good place to start. Think back to your childhood. What hobbies did you like to do then? Some that you liked may have been specifically for children. But, you may be able to find adult versions of those hobbies.

Many hobbies will have support or interest groups that meet regularly. Although these groups may have been around for many years, these days they will probably have some internet presence and so should be easy to find.  Search for the hobby and include the keyword “forum” or “group.”

Hobby stores still exist, although they are not as prevalent. However, you can find websites to these stores and reach out to them via email or phone. They don’t have to be near you, but it is better if they are. Ask a lot of questions and find out some of the people who may be involved in the hobby. Reach out to these people to find out how to get started.

There are no rules for hobbies. Any interests that you have could become a hobby. If it’s something you want to pursue, just be creative about how to get going. The internet has a wealth of information on most topics, and you may even find video tutorials about your hobby.

No rule says you can only take up one hobby. Start as many as you want. You may not have the time to do them all. But, trying different ones can help you find the ones that are right for you. Just remember, everyone should have some type of hobby in their life.

Staying Calm Audio Book

Finding Serenity in Nature

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During the summer, do you think about getting outdoors more, but then have trouble actually following through? If you feel overworked and stressed, it’s time to find your inner peace again. But how can you find serenity in a calamitous world?

Take a deep breath and head outdoors to your favorite national park, local walking trail, bird estuary, or forest. You’ll recapture your sense of calm when you spend some time in nature.

Follow these tips:

  1. Be comfortable. Dress comfortably and take plenty of beverages and snacks.This is easy if you’re driving the car to your special nature spot. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.

  2. Avoid distractions. If you take your cell phone, turn it on silent mode to avoid being alarmed by its ringtone. For now, you plan to exchange your own world for that of the park or forest.

  3. Walk on well-marked paths. Make sure you can find your way back.
  4. Forget about the noise going on in your head. Allow the stressful thoughts to float away. Just let go of all the pressures. You’re in one of your favorite places now. No worries exist there!

  5. Listen to the sounds that surround you. Maybe the trees are rustling in the wind, the birds are singing, or you hear an animal call.

  6. Use visual cues to relax. Leave your world behind. Look around and notice all the green trees. See the dirt path, the tiny ants crawling on a log, and the spider web.

  7. Steep yourself in the smells of your surroundings. What is that fragrance? A hint of honeysuckle? The woodsy fragrance of pine? Breathe in and breathe out consciously.

  8. The physicals sensations come next. Are the leaves of a bush lightly brushing your arms? Are you challenged to keep your footing on the bumpy path? Physically coming into contact with nature is an important part of the experience, in addition to the sights, sounds and smells.

  9. Look for the critters in the woods. Maybe you’ll spot a raccoon or a squirrel. Observing other mammals is fascinating and you’ll learn something every time you watch an animal.

  10. Notice the birdcalls. Perhaps two or more birds are talking to one another.

  11. Be aware of what the air feels like. You can most likely tell that summer is here. It’s a clean, fresh, crisp feeling with a hint of heat in most places. Maybe the sun is shining or perhaps you’re deep in a thicket of trees where it’s dank and mossy.

  12. Visit a pine forest. If you’re lucky enough to live within driving distance of a pine tree forest, consider visiting this awesome example of nature’s Zen experiences. Sit down on a bed of pine needles and just be.

  13. Think about gratitude. What are you grateful for in your life? Focus on the simple things. “I love my chair in the living room with my books piled high next to it.” “I’m grateful for the sunset I see each evening from my kitchen window.” “I’m grateful for having eyes to see and hands that work for me.”

  14. Reflect on your accomplishments. Toward the end of your nature visit, give yourself a pat on the back for a difficult situation you’ve made it through recently.

  15. Enjoy the peace. Realize that right at this moment, you feel a sense of calm, peacefulness, and serenity that you can return to any time you want, simply by visiting this wonderful corner of nature.

Immerse yourself in the experiences of nature. Allow yourself to be keenly aware of the sights, sounds, smells, and atmosphere around you. No matter where your favorite outdoors spots are, visit them regularly to return to what’s most important: You!

10 Ways To Relax More Often

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ways to relax

We all need to find more ways to relax more often.  We live in a world where people seem to compete to have the busiest lives and don’t like to say no when people ask them to do anything. We work, join clubs and teams, and also balance our family and home lives.

It’s no wonder people are under more stress today than ever before. There are articles all over the place about the many ways we can relax, but how do we make time to do them? Here are ten practical ways to take time out of your busy life and relax more often.

  1. Rely On Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises don’t take much time out of your day to complete. They are a fast and effective way to relax your body. You can do this while waiting in line, on your break at work or even while you are in the car driving.
  2. Create A Routine: By setting up a routine where you can take even five or ten minutes before bed to stretch, do yoga, meditate or even write about your stresses in a journal you are going to feel more relaxed which will lead to you having a better sleep and feeling better rested in the morning.
  3. Focus On The Present Moment: When you can be present in the moment you are about to reduce your stress levels and truly relax. Notice all of the little sounds and sights that are around you when you are going about your day instead of dwelling on the next thing on your to-do list.
  4. Find A Hobby: If you are going to join a club or a team, choose one that is geared towards something that you already enjoy doing and relaxes you. It is great to learn to do new things, but there is a comfort that is found in finding people who also enjoy doing the things, you enjoy doing.
  5. Treat Yourself As You Treat Your Family: Many people give and give and give to their families and forget to treat themselves with the same ideals. Instead, they tend to put their needs on the backburner and not indulge in self-care. When you treat yourself well, you are much better for everyone else in your life.
  6. Distract Yourself: Read a book, or go out to a movie. These activities require you to pay attention, which will allow you not to think about all of your stresses for a while and get lost in an alternate plot. After the movie or book, you will find that you feel more relaxed and ready to take on your problems. Turn this into a weekly outing, or join a book club.
  7. Use Your Senses: Your sense of smell is connected to the amount of stress you are feeling. Choose a scent such as rose, peppermint, or lavender and light a candle or use a nicely scented body lotion and give yourself a massage.
  8. Take A Real Break: Don’t spend your lunch hour and your breaks at your desk, or even in your office. Instead, get out and take a short walk. Taking a walk and allowing your mind to focus on other things is a great way to reset your mind and forget about your stresses.
  9. Visualize: When you need to relax, and you can’t get away, close your eyes and imagine you are somewhere else. Imagine a beach with waves crashing. Be as detailed as you can in your visualization and before you know it, you will find yourself relaxing as if you are there.
  10. Find What Works Best For You: Everyone is different, what allows your friends to relax may not be what leads you to feel relaxed. Experiment with some different relaxation techniques and figure out what makes you feel the best.

As you can see, there are many different things you can do during the day to help yourself relax. Relaxing doesn’t need a huge chunk of time carved out of your day to be effective. Using the tips above you are going to be able to bring relaxation into your daily life and feel less stressed out almost instantly. For more relaxation ideas click here!

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