We live in an era of self-care. It’s a hashtag. Solange sings about it. Other celebrities share their self-care routines. If you search for the term on Etsy, you’re bound to find workbooks, t-shirts, and mugs referencing it, and I don’t foresee its popularity fading anytime soon. Nor should it.

According to Oxford Dictionaries, self-care is “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”

It’s part of our nature to become hyper-focused on the needs and wants of everyone and everything while failing to acknowledge what we need to protect our well-being and happiness. Implementing regular self-care practices is the remedy for that.

Traditional self-care activities tend to involve taking a trip to the spa or getting a manicure, and while those are great ways to boost your happiness, self-care goes above and beyond the basic pampering-based activities.

The use of aroma wellness in your routine can lead to a lifestyle change. By utilizing room sprays, candles, and diffusers, you can elevate and transform your mood, health, and home.

Here are a few simple ideas and recommendations to get you started.

Meditation

Meditation has risen in mainstream popularity due to the transformational stories told by so many about the benefits they receive through frequent practice. In a time of overstimulation and being booked and busy, you have to take the time to quiet your mind and allow it to rest.

Zen Lavender + Cedarwood Soy Candle

Photo: Navabella

Before you meditate, set the mood in your space by lighting a candle or using a room spray to evoke feelings of relaxation. A ZEN candle made with lavender oil instantly puts you in the mood to wind down and bring forth inner peace and reflection.

Bed Time

As we all know, allowing your body to get an adequate amount of sleep each evening is a form of self-care. When you run your body ragged waking up early and going to sleep late, your health and wellness will eventually begin to feel the negative impact.

Calm Vanilla + Musk Soy Candle

Photo: Navabella

The next time you prepare to lay down for the evening, light a candle with a vanilla scent. Vanilla quiets the nervous system while reducing hyperactivity and restlessness. It has been deemed by some to have a mild sedative effect on the body, according to The Sleep Doctor. Try a CALM candle so you can benefit from the relaxing effects of vanilla and our crackling wood wicks.

De-Stress

After a long day of working, parenting, cleaning, cooking, and overall adulting, sometimes you just need time to de-stress. This might involve a relaxing bath, reading a book, watching your favorite movie, or listening to a personalized playlist of your favorite songs.

Happy Peach + Tonka Soy Candle

Photo: Navabella

Peace Black Tea + Bergamot Soy Candle

Photo: Navabella

While there are recommended scents to reduce your stress, the truth is that whatever makes you feel good is what you should use in these times. If you’re into fruity scents, something that makes you feel HAPPY might do the trick. If you opt for scents that are mellow, PEACE might be just what you need. Light a candle or spray the space around you for an immediate anti-stress transformation.

Brain Break

Sometimes when your to-do list is a mile long, you need to take a moment for a mental break. Allow aroma wellness to uplevel this self-imposed time out. Whether you’re in the office, in your car, or at home, you can use a scent to amplify your much needed and deserved break.

Fresh Lemon + Green Apple Room Spray

Photo: Navabella

The use of lime has been found to battle lethargy, fatigue, and mental exhaustion. A couple of sprays of FRESH when you’re in the office will immediately transform your space for hours to come. While lighting a FRESH candle or keeping a diffuser going at home will provide a long-lasting, consistent fragrance.

How will you add aroma wellness to your self-care routine?

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Aromatherapy