Easy Sensory Rituals for Everyday Calm

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

Does it feel like you are often transitioning from one task to the next, without getting a moment to recharge? I know that happens to me sometimes! But I find that a relaxing ritual that engages one or more of my senses can be a quick and meaningful way to bring calm to my day, giving me space to recharge and re-center. And the good news is it doesn’t have to take long or be complicated. It’s simply finding a consistent way to unwind and reduce your stress level. Engaging in sensory rituals helps to quickly activate the body’s relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and promoting a sense of tranquility.

A few short moments spent in a sensory ritual can serve as an anchor during turbulent days. The trick is to keep yourself in the moment and that’s where engaging your senses can be a powerful way to help you feel more grounded.

The suggestions I’m sharing don’t require a lot of time, money, or energy to implement. They’re simple and if even one of them leaves you feeling a little more relaxed, then you’ve gained something valuable.

Combining Comforting Aromatherapy with Sensory Rituals

Tip #1  Combine the power of scent with touch

“Touch comes before sight, before speech. It is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.”
― Margaret Atwood, Der blinde Mörder

Have you ever considered combining aromatherapy with your sense of touch? It’s easy! You can spritz your favorite warm blanket with a soothing blend of essential oils. Another way we’re combining aromatherapy with touch is with a new product we’re carrying here at e3, adorable Warmies® plush animals for warmth, comfort, and a sense of security. These microwavable stuffed animals are filled with the perfect amount of dried French lavender from Provence and perfectly weighted for a positive sensory experience.

Warmies® offer a soothing and gentle source of comfort. The soft, cuddly design combined with calming aromatherapy can help ease anxiety, promote relaxation, and offer a sense of security in moments of emotional or physical discomfort.

Have you found other ways to combine aromatherapy with touch? Maybe a relaxing foot massage with aromatherapy lotion? We’d love to hear any other creative ideas you may have on e3’s Facebook page.

Tip #2  Enjoy a cup of tea with honey

“Do not gulp the tea but sip it slowly allowing its fragrance to fill your mouth. There is no need to have any special attitude while drinking except one of thankfulness.”
Pojong Sunim

A cup of tea in the afternoon can be just the break you need from a stressful day. Again, it’s one of the sensory rituals that engage you on a deeper level. Create your own moment of comfort by sitting down and enjoying some tea. Simple pleasure — great gain!

Want more benefits? Add a little honey to your next cup of tea. Research suggests that honey, a popular home remedy for generations, may actually be more effective at treating cold symptoms than antibiotics and over the counter medicines.

If your immune system feels run down or you’re fighting a cold or flu, try our Immune Blend Raw Honey for your next cup of tea. This delicious raw honey, from the Applegate Valley in Oregon, comes straight from the beehive so it contains healthful bee pollen, bee propolis, and plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. This Immune Blend Raw Honey also includes 100% natural e3 essential oils for even more immunity support.

Tip #3  Take a deep breath, outside if possible

“Breathe deeply, until sweet air extinguishes the burn of fear in your lungs and every breath is a beautiful refusal to become anything less than infinite.”
D. Antoinette Foy

You know how to breathe… you do it around 25,000 times a day. But we can get into bad habits with our breathing. I enjoyed this article in Inc magazine on the extensive research of James Nestor for his new book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. Fascinating! And it reiterates what I’ve been saying for years about the benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing a.k.a. Belly Breathing, and how aromatherapy can help you get that deeper breath.

And to really benefit from a deep breath, try stepping outside.

When we’re indoors we primarily use two of our senses—eyesight and hearing. However, going outside opens us up to our other senses, especially our sense of smell. However, statistics suggest that Americans spend about 93% of their time indoors. Children, in particular, aren’t spending as much time outdoors as they did in years past. Read my article on forest bathing, to learn about the benefits of spending “mindful, intentional time around trees,” which can improve health and happiness.

I would love to know if you decide to give one of these comforting sensory rituals a try! Please contact us or join our conversations on Facebook. I love how aromatherapy gives us an easy and proactive way to find comfort anytime, anywhere. If you want to explore The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils make sure to download my free new workbook.