When was the last time you checked in on yourself? The everyday hustle often leaves little to no time for us to take care of ourselves. However, the pandemic has compelled us to shift our focus inward, recognising the growing importance of well-being in our lives. Thus arises the need for self-care to cultivate what matters most to us: our health.
The Importance of Wellness
For centuries, scholars, enlightened masters, and modern science researchers have highlighted the importance of wellness in our daily lives. It’s no surprise, then, that the wellness industry has grown to become a USD 4.5 trillion economy that’s expanding at a rapid pace. But do we really understand what it means to be well?
According to USA-based non-profit organisation National Wellness Institute, wellness is described as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence”. It is an act of making positive conscious choices that are holistic in nature, thus enhancing one’s health and happiness. And this can only be done if you invest your time and energy in yourself as much as you do in your work, relationships, and other external environments.
The Need for Self-Care
Dr. Ronald D. Siegel, an assistant clinical professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, states that about 40% of what determines happiness is under your control. Thus, self-care and happiness are like hand in glove, where self-care means to take care of yourself by yourself. While the term itself is a broad concept, studies show that the meaning of self-care is to each their own. But the underlying principle remains the same, which is to mindfully nurture and nourish one’s mind-body-spirit and emotions as a whole.
Studies have shown that engaging in a self-care routine can significantly reduce anxiety and depression, lower stress levels, improve concentration, minimise frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy levels, and so much more. From a physical health perspective, self-care has been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Spiritually, it may help us to connect with our inner voice or our higher self in order to live up to our purpose. Investing in wellness can be your first step towards living a holistic and stress-free life, so here are sevenessentials to get you started.
1. Essential Oils
Be it a tiring day at work or physical discomfort, essential oils simply do the drill as they have a lot of skin and health benefits. These oils are extracted from flowers or plants and then compressed into bottles. They can be used to aid sleep, calm the nervous system, boost immunity levels, and create a soothing atmosphere. Many prefer essential oils such as rose oil, tea tree oil, and lavender oil as they foster self-love, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. The best way to use these oils is by pouring a few drops into a diffuser or your bath water. Alternatively, you can mix it into a carrier oil (such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil) to directly apply on certain points on your body, like your wrists or behind the ears.
2. Crystals
The use of crystals and gemstones in healing dates all the way back to the ancient Sumerians and ancient Chinese medicine. Since crystals come from within the earth, they possess high amounts of earthly vibrations to cleanse, heal, balance, and protect the energy within and around us. Crystals are known to have natural healing tendencies that focus on specific aspects (emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being) of our lives.
The crystal healing energy can be tapped in various forms such as wearing crystal bracelets, placing crystal clusters in specific corners of your home, and making crystal grids during meditation. Citrine (Success Stone), Amethyst, Clear Quartz (Master Healer), Rose Quartz (Love Stone), and Black Tourmaline (Negativity Killer) are recommended for beginners who wish to attract positivity, love, abundance, balance, and good health into their lives. You can even hold these crystals in your hand and set intentions or meditate with them to enhance your overall well-being and manifest your deepest desires.
3. Bath Salts
There’s nothing quite like a relaxing spa day, and what’s better than creating a spa-like atmosphere at home? Bath salts are very relaxing, de-stressing, and charging – not only do they improve blood circulation and mood levels, but they also contain essential minerals to detoxify and cleanse the body energetically. Just add two to three spoonfuls of salt flakes in the bathtub and let them absorb all the worry and weariness off your body.
4. Gemstone Water Bottles
Besides taking your hydration game up a notch, the gemstones in a gemstone water bottle can energetically charge your water, too. These pretty bottles are infused with crystals – think: Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, or Fluorite – that carry positive vibrations, thus creating harmony within your system and leaving you with a perfect glow on a gloomy day.
5. Dried Sage and Incense Sticks
Sages are made from organic herbal leaves bundled into a stick. When you burn incense sticks or a dried sage, they are bound to purify the air, cleanse your crystals, and dispel insects and negative energies. They’re often used during meditations, reciting prayers, or simply as an effective space-clearing technique. Both dried sage and incense sticks also work excellently while setting intentions or affirmations such as: “I am healthy and protected”, “My soul is pure”, and “I am letting go of everything that doesn’t serve me”.
6. Tibetan Singing Bowls
Recent studies have proven that singing bowls positively affect our mood levels and been found to decrease blood pressure and heart rate as compared to the silence before a sound-healing session. These bowls are ancient to Buddhist culture and every singing bowl resonates at a certain frequency that, when played, vibrates and produces a rich deep tone. It’s a very relaxing and powerful tool for healing and de-stressing.
7. Copper Bottle
Copper is known to have antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a must-have in your home. You must store water in a copper vessel or bottle for eight or more hours as the copper releases some of its ions, which help incell regeneration and the formation of haemoglobin. Since the human body cannot create trace amounts of copper, it’s vital to include it in our daily diet or water intake for its amazing health benefits.
Self-care is essential, especially during these trying times, so start taking charge of your health and happiness today. Illuminations Wellbeing Center provides a range of wellness essentials to always prioritise your best self.
Disclaimer: It is advisable to consult your doctor before investing in some of these healing products.
