Liz Seal Holistic Massage
Evenings can be a wonderful time to reconnect with your loved ones, to reflect on the day and quiet your mind for a restful night’s sleep. The end of the day is often a time to eat a meal with family and relax but can be much more.
There are many ways to wind down from a busy day, and each of us will find our own favourites. Just as babies and children benefit from a bedtime routine, adults will also find an evening routine helps to settle into sleep.
A simple stroll at dusk, in cooler air and dimmer light, will reveal the sounds and smells of night. As the sounds of human activity diminish, the sounds of the nocturnal creatures will become more apparent. The smell of the soil and greenery intensify, and the sight of the starry sky reminds us that we are only a small part of a vast and complex universe. Each of these factors makes an evening walk a restful and meditative exercise.
For others of us, a warm bubble bath, with naturally scented candles and soothing essential oils can be relaxing and calming. Gentle exercise for example Yoga or Tai Chi, or some gentle stretching can help us to wind down. A calming meditation is a good way to slow down the breathing and quiet the mind. Reading a good book while warm and comfortable can be a good way to distract the mind from the busyness of the day, though I would avoid anything too scary or exciting! Diffusing calming essential oils during these activities will enhance the relaxation.
Rituals and routines can help say goodbye to the present day, so that you can look forward to a new day. The soothing nature of an evening routine can relax us into the peace and stillness we hope to find at the day’s end.
Tai Chi and Yoga routines can be found on YouTube, classes are available at most sports centres, and meditation apps are available. I have started using an app ‘Stop, Breathe and Think’, which I am finding very helpful. My ‘Sleep Well’ diffuser blend is a combination of oils to aid restful sleep. Please contact me for more information.