5 Fantastic Relaxing Resources. And you have most of them.

We know the most important relaxing tool we have when it comes to wellness is our brain. We use different techniques and I love searching about new methods and ways to improve that area. Sometimes we are going through a very stressful but temporary period. You could be moving to a different place, or you just changed jobs and are stressed with all the changes, or maybe you are going through a divorce and need some extra comfort to help you relax after a long day.

If that’s the case, there are some relaxing tools that can help to calm you down. Many of these objects are multi-sensory and their purpose here is to help with stress relief. The best thing? You probably have most of them at home! I based myself on my own experience and other people I know. Today, I mention my 5 favorites. Feel free to let me know which ones you like the most or meet your needs.

The Perfume

The first, and the one that I use almost every day before going to sleep. When I mention “The perfume”, I am of course not talking about the book/movie with the same name. Also, I am not talking about the fragrance you use to go through the day regularly. I am talking about a different one. The one that makes you feel different, the one that makes you forget about everything else in the world from the moment you inhale it.

That’s why I wouldn’t recommend doing this with that extra perfume you got for Christmas just because you are not sure what to do with it. I don´t recommend it because, despite having a good intention, the person that gave it to you doesn´t know your personal taste. They don’t know which essence makes you feel special. Every person is an entire world. You may prefer some sweet aroma whilst someone else loves to relax with a luxurious winter fragrance.

I feel that, despite being something extremely personal, we often settle with the perfumes and “Eau de Cologne” we get from friends and relatives. I personally LOVE fragrances. Since I was a teenager, I loved having my night table full of nice perfumes with different tones and brands.

Nowadays, I am trying to push my “minimalist” mindset. I have a daily perfume, which I love. Then, I keep another one that I rub on my wrists every night (as a part of my night ritual). And because you are going to sleep, you don’t need that much product, so even a travel size can last more than you think.

My advice is, go to a perfume shop when you have a few minutes. Try all the perfumes you want to (feel free to ask the staff for the coffee jar) and don´t forget to check the travel size section if you don’t want to splurge on a full-size Gucci fragrance.

Cozy Pajama

I adore pajamas. We can also refer to them as “sleeping clothes”, but some of them weren’t made to go to sleep. However, they could also be ideal to go to the gym or do some yoga. Sleeping or staying at home wearing cozy clothes is essential to feel soft and warm. There is no perfect pajama for everyone. Some people love sleeping in comfy sports clothes. Some others prefer wearing some with furry kittens print. And of course, some prefer being sexy beasts with a silky outfit. When it comes to clothes, heaven is the limit!

The most important thing is that, whatever you choose, you must feel like the King/Queen of Babylon in your own palace. The colour and texture you choose to wear must be appropriate for you to move with freedom and feel restful.

Your Favourite Notebook

Writing down your mind works. You don’t need to write about your awful day if you don’t want to keep thinking about it. But write something. If you feel down, try writing about a topic you have improved through the years. Maybe you got a better job, or you learnt a new language, or you feel like you have matured and grown up. Any success story is worth a few pages.

If you can’t find any improvement, try a bit harder and think about the way your life has evolved. Even if it took you 2 years to achieve a small target. Write about the way you used to think, everything you wanted to achieve. Leave on the paper the situation you were living last year and the situation you are in right now. It´s extremely important to see the progress in your life and to keep track of every goal you have achieved.

Perhaps that job you wanted to get so bad doesn’t feel like a goal after 1 year working there full time. Stop for a minute, think about how important was for you to get it back then. Leave on the paper how much you disliked your situation and how you ended up getting the job and improving, at least, one of your circumstances.

When you have acknowledged your progress (doesn’t matter how small you think it is), try writing about your current goals. What’s the path you want to take? What have you done today to move a little bit toward those goals? Maybe you have read a couple of articles about the topic in particular, or perhaps you spoke with someone who gave you good advice. Or maybe your goal is to have a six pack and you did a couple of push-ups because you dropped your pen today a couple of times (and you are thinking about moving to the next level). If you haven´t done anything, just write what are you going to do from now on.

And of course, it doesn’t need to be about your life. You can also write about a recipe you saw on a magazine this morning and the ingredients you need to buy so you can prepare it later at home. Write about how excited you are about the tv show you are going to watch tonight on Netflix and remember to add the popcorn to your shopping list.

Once you start writing and let yourself flow with the pen/keyboard, thoughts will slowly come to your mind so you can get them out. While you write, you can push both positive or negative thoughts and that’s something effective to practice.

Bear in mind that you aren´t writing this to impress someone, you are just doing it for yourself. This means that nobody cares if the writing looks awful or you did a bunch of typos. The purpose of this resource is mainly therapeutic. Don’t feel you need to make it interesting for someone to read it, just make it efficient for you to enjoy it.

Head Massager

Many people don’t know about this tool. Well, It is amazing. My partner is the biggest fan of this one. Let’s say it´s one of the most efficient ways to give yourself some instant gratification.

I am not sure how easy it is for you to get it, but I have seen them online. Some “alternative” shops like Tiger also offer them. Going to the physical shop often gives you the opportunity to try the item before you buy it. The Head Massager It´s perfect for when you are laying down watching some movie or reading a book, or the perfect addition to your night routine.

Have you guys tried it?

Stress Ball

Probably one of the oldest and most usual ones. We have seen this item everywhere since we were kids. It’s one of the portable resources that you can bring anywhere. Are you stressed on the bus? Then, squish your stress ball! Do you feel tense after speaking with your co-worker/boss? Squish it on your desk! Of course, you can also bring the Head Massager to your workplace if you don´t mind getting weird stares from other coworkers.

You can find stress balls in different shops. Actually, if you have a dog, you can give good use to that chewing toy as well. Just remember to wash it properly and sanitize it and don’t forget to explain to your poor dog why you are taking his toy with you.

Vicks Vaporub

If you are a peppermint fan and love the fresh ice feeling in your lungs, try to rub some peppermint gel on your chest. I used to have some “Vicks Vaporub” on my bed table, but there are many other brands with similar products.

It opens your nostrils and does a great calming job before going to sleep. Nowadays, I prefer using the small stick you can insert in your nose and inhale the strong essence. It´s not as sticky and messy as the gel version and you can bring it with you because of its size, ¡go convenience!

Sometimes we just need some particular items to help us feel better from inside out. I am sure most of you have already tried many of the mentioned relaxing resources. Which one is your favourite? Do you think some of them are actually better than the others, or it’s just a matter of personal taste?