Our lifestyles can often be the cause of our anxiety and stress. By making small changes to it we can help ourselves by promoting wellness and strengthening our mental and emotional health.
I don’t know about you but I am prone to anxiety. I think this modern world of endless information, constant connectivity and 24/7 availability can lead all of us into the grips of anxious feelings and overwhelm. I have put together a couple of healing, incredibly soothing practices to create a beautiful self care ritual to calm your body, mind and spirit. This ritual can be done morning or evening and will take at least 45 minutes, longer if you like.
Step 1: Epsom salt & essential oil bath
Soaking in epsom salts is deeply relaxing and detoxifying for your body; the magnesium helps promote a feeling of calm and relaxation and the sulphates flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells. Epsom salts also help to cleanse our energetic field of negative vibes, if I have had a busy day around lots of people and especially around stress, I feel grounded and peaceful after my bath. Choose your favourite essential oils and add a free drops, mine are frankincense, myrrh and lavender.
Step 2: Abhyanga – self massage using oils
Once out of the bath gently massage your whole body, including head and hair, with an oil of your choice. I like olive oil, coconut oil or an almond carrier oil with a few drops of an essential oil added. The effect of massaging your whole body with warm (run oil bottle under hot tap for a few mins) oil is promotes feelings of calmness, nourished, and eases joint stiffness and softer skin and hair.
Step 3: Yoga and meditation
Once you are oiled up and wearing comfy clothes in a warm room its time for some yoga. I recommend gentle movements and lots of relaxation. You can practice a simple sun or moon salutation adding poses which feel nourishing to you. After 10 – 20 minutes of yoga lie down flat on your mat and tune into your breath for a simple meditation. To calm your mind repeat silently ‘Om’ on the inhale and ‘Om’ on the exhale.
I like to keep the oil on my skin and hair for as long as I can, most of the day or overnight. Then wash it off in the shower when you are ready.
Written by Gemma Ford
Instagram: @gemmajaneford
Twitter: @fitwimbledon
Facebook: @GemmaJFord
YouTube: @LoveYogaOnline
About The Author
Gemma Ford
Gemma is a qualified yoga teacher and intuitive life coach. After receiving her training in India and Los Angeles she settled in South West London where she teaches yoga via her YouTube channel as well as coaching locally and internationally. Gemma loves to teach and support her clients to reach their highest potential in health, wealth and happiness.