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Rituals for Unwinding

How do you unwind? Relaxation is becoming increasinglyĀ important to me as I consider stress’ impact on my health. I struggle with high blood pressure and take medication to control it. That does keep it in check but I also use holistic practices to help reprogram my type AA personality.

Here are a few things I do to unwind.

  • I stopped watching the news at the suggestion of Dr. Andrew Weil inĀ this bookĀ and I have never regretted the decision. If something enormous happens, someone will tell me, but otherwise, I don’t need to know. Most local news is simply crime reporting which I find depressing and sad. If I need to know world events I can get a quick update from the internet.

 

fresh roses and rose Kombucha on A Well Styled Life

  • I buy fresh flowers for myself each week because having beauty around me is relaxing.

 

  • I’ve just rediscovered the joy of immersing myself in a fun novel. My latest are by Fiona Davis. I just finished Dollhouse by Fiona Davis on A Well Styled Life

 

  • I am writing in a gratitude journal each morning, taking time toĀ meditateĀ andĀ diffusing essentialĀ oils.
    essential oils and gratitude journal on A Well Styled Life
    camping

     

  • My newest ritual has been to get up before the sun, light a candle and sit quietlyĀ enjoying my tea. There’s something very soothing about watching the world wake up. I like how it sets the mood for my day and find it helps me be more productive.starbucks mug and Sanari candle on A Well Styled Life

 

  • I burn candles. Most evenings you’ll find candles burning on my mantle, coffee table, and end table. I find them soothing plus everything looks better by candlelight.

 

I recently found what may be the healthiest candles around. The owner reached out to me and after I read her story and tried her candles, I wanted to share them with you. This is not a sponsored post.

Rebecca is a breast cancer survivor who stopped burning candles because of their toxins. She missed enjoying the ritual of burning a candle so in 2014 created a safer alternative and started Sanari Candles.

These special candles are made from organic coconut wax and non-GMO soy wax which is sourced from organic farmers who use sustainable sources. It turns out that good old coconut wax is one of the safest waxes to burn, plus its renewable and environmentallyĀ friendly.relaxing by candlelight on A Well Styled Life

She mixes in pure essential oils for the full aromatherapy effect. The wick is a wide unbleached cotton which burns cleanly and evenly, creating a triangular glow. The candles are hand-poured into a recycled stemless wine glasses. How’s that for environmentally friendly?

Rebecca has generously offered to give my readers a 25% discount with the code LIFE25 at checkout, which is good until 9/30/18.

She has also generously offered to give away a 16 oz candle to one of my readers. My favorite fragrance so far is thisĀ PompeloĀ which is a blend of Douglas Fir, Chamomile, and Lavender. So soothing!

To win the candle, simply pop over here and see which blend sounds yummiest to you, Then come back and leave it in the comments. I will pick a winner at random.

How do you unwind?

This giveaway is now closed.

Thanks for reading ladies and have a great day!

Affiliate link within this post may generate income for AWSL

191 Comments

  1. I think the Bosco scent sounds divine! As for my self-care, I meditate every day, listen to Marconi Union “Weightless” song (anti-anxiety), exercise, and eat well.

  2. Elizabeth says:

    Bosch would be my choice. Love your blog.

  3. Salam would be my first choice of candle fragrance, although it’s difficult to choose!

    You have developed some great methods for relaxing, Jennifer! I agree with you that the morning hours are a great time to reflect and be grateful for my many blessings. The world is still quiet and I can enjoy looking at the plants, birds, and any other creatures that are starting to move around outdoors. Along with a good cup of coffee, the early mornings truly allow me to more fully appreciate my new world of retirement!

  4. Hi Jennifer! Pompelmo sounds wonderful! I try to unwind with baths, or sitting with the dog curled up in bed with a good book.

    1. Sounds wonderful. I will get back to my warm baths when the weather cools off.

  5. Sorbetto. What a lovely collection of candles. Thanks for sharing all of your relaxation tips.

  6. Hi Jennifer. I enjoy candles also but not heavy perfumey ones. I looked at the Sanari website and thought Granita sounded interesting.
    Is there a book club in the community where you are living? They can be good sources for new titles and stimulating conversation, as well as new friends.
    Thanks for the candle suggestion.

    1. I havenā€™t checked for a book club but thatā€™s a great suggestion. Thank you!

  7. Sorbetto sounds divine to me. Thanks for this opportunity!

  8. Great post! I use essential oils and a good book. I would like Pompelo too.

  9. Hi Jennnifer, these candles sound fantastic! If I would be a lucky winner here I would choose Trentino. It sounds wonderful for fall. I agree that having some relaxation rituals is a healthy habit, I also like being awake before the rest of my family and relish the quiet and the chance to read blogs like yours! Have ag great day

  10. B. Reining says:

    I think I would like biscotti. They all sound delightful.

  11. Donna Spremulli says:

    I would choose ARIA, as the combination sounds delightful! Thank you for posting the link.
    I love the ambiance from a burning candle, but never use them because of the toxicity, so I
    will definitely be checking out the link.

    1. After doing a little or research, I was shocked to discover how unhealthy most candles are!! Delighted to find these ones.

  12. Pompelo sounds like it’s just the ticket!
    I too need to destress – HBP, leg issues from my job(s) – I work 6-7 days a week – life in general takes a toll. I love your tips and so enjoy your blog!

  13. I would love the Sanam candle

  14. I love candles ad essential oils, and I use both on a daily basis. The Trentino candle sounds so yummy – that’s the one I’ll try first!

  15. Griselle Camacho-Claudio says:

    I like the ā€œBiscottiā€ from the Spicy Woodsy Candles. I love your daily posts, I look forward to read them every day.

  16. Sorbetto! This was a difficult choice. Love your blog and have learned so much from you!

  17. I like fresco; sounds like what I want my home to beā€”fresh!
    I do many of the things you do to unwind. My grandmother told me years ago as I struggled to read the Italian newspaper while visiting her that the news is the same no matter what period of time it is, and this statement was a result of her many years of life experience.
    Thanks for your blog !

  18. Great topic today! This is a big issue for me and I agree with your strategies. The news is a big problem I struggle with. I have always felt the need to be informed but the last couple of years have been more stressful than ever so I am trying to unplug more often. My job is very stressful and I don’t see a change until retirement so I need to do whatever I can to deal with it.

    1. Try not watching the news for 1 week and see if you miss it. I was delighted to find I never did so didnā€™t go back to it. If your job is stressful, the last thing you need is to hear distressing news. Happy news is a different thing and there are websites for that!

      1. Thanks Jennifer,! I will. J.

  19. DEBORAH GILBERT says:

    Sorbetto sounds good to me. I’ve had to stop burning candles because of allergies. Maybe this one would work. I hope so.

    1. Or there are some very realistic battery operated candles that look very realistic. You might try those!

  20. Pomelo would be my choice.

  21. Oh, that sounds like a really good way to relax. But I cannot live without the news! I relax with a good book and a glass of wine. Cannot have candles unfortunately because my husband is allergic to scents.

  22. Had to have my precious puppy (10 years old) put to sleep this week. Have been taking careful notes of ways you have suggested to relax and would love to try a candle. Thank you and have a blessed week.

    1. Iā€™m so sorry Joan. Thatā€™s so very painful. Sending hugs and warm thoughts your way.

  23. Lezlie Davis says:

    Biscotti sounds wonderful!

  24. I get a stiff sore back around 2:00 every day now. So I read a suspense novel, or nonfiction and usually fall asleep also I enjoy the news and watch a good panel discussion every day at 5. All your ideas are good too.

  25. Lezlie Davis says:

    I loved The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel. Thanks so much for the tip on Fiona Davis! Iā€™m adding her to my samples list on Amazon!

  26. Biscotti sounds amazing with vanilla bean and cinnamon. The one that you like sounds great also. I love candles they just make a room when you walk into it. Thanks for the opportunity to win,

  27. The Pompelmo candle is one I would like to try. Sounds relaxing and calming and I can always use help in that regard.

    1. I think we all can use help to relax so I love us all exchanging ideas

    2. Out of stock, unfortunately.

  28. Peggy Nalls says:

    Sorbetto sounds wonderful to me. I had to stop burning most candles because of the allergies I have but miss them a lot. Would like to try one. Thank you for the opportunity. Enjoy the blog.

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