Mental Health, Candles and more... – Olivetreehome

Mental Health, Candles and more...

Mental health

 

Mental health awareness

The month of May saw mental health week, promoting the importance of mental health awareness around the globe. This is such an important subject to talk about but not just in May, 12 months of the year.  Everybody in some shape or form has been touched by mental health issues.  This was enough of a problem before the pandemic but has increased significantly as a result of the last year. 

It is so great that we are starting to talk about this more openly but there is still so much more we can do.  

  • Talking is number one, I truly believe in the old saying, a problem shared is a problem halved and just the act of sharing your thoughts can have a hugely positive impact on how you feel.  Some other healthy daily habits we can easily adopt and work into our every day lives are..
  • Getting outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and a gentle or brisk walk can work wonders for your mental health and the clarity of your mind. 
  • Along with walking, regular exercise is great for not only making you fitter and stronger in body and mind but it releases amazing endorphins into your body which help mood and overall well being. Personally I love yoga for not only fitness but to remind me how to breath properly!
  • Regular screen free time. Easier said than done, I know, but having a time every night at least an hour before bed, where you put those phones, devices away and relax with a book instead can make the world of difference.  Interestingly so many of us reach for our phones first thing in the morning, I'm guilty of this, but I do find when I make a conscious effort not to, it can have such a positive impact on the rest of my day. 
  • Journaling,  just writing those thoughts down in a journal or diary, helps free them from your mind and onto paper which can instantly make them easier to deal with. 
  • Sleep, sounds basic, but so many of us don't have enough or if we do it's poor quality due to a screen induced stimulated brain. Relaxing before bed, with a good, book, candle and maybe even a bath can make such a difference to the quality of your sleep. 

You have probably heard me talk a lot about how scented candles can create instant atmosphere and coziness but in reality it goes far deeper than this. 

How candles can help..

The simple act of relaxing and watching the flickering flame of a candle can help soothe your soul, reduce stress and help self awareness.

The smell of a scented candle stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to memory and emotions. Hormones like serotonin and dopamine can be produced to help regulate mood. 

Creating a simple every day ritual of lighting a candle, when sitting at your desk, reading a book or cooking dinner, can really help you enjoy and connect with the moment. 

Further mental health resources can be found here:

www.mind.org.uk

www.mhm.org.uk

Helen x