We are huge believers in the power of essential oils for creating an atmosphere of clarity and relaxation.
Not only do these amazing scents help us relax, but they have a variety of benefits from improving our quality of sleep to increasing our focus.
Using essential oils couldn’t be easier, and their versatility means that you can find a way that works best for you. Essential oils can be used in diffusers, through steam inhalation or can be sprayed throughout the room using a scent bottle. Oils can be dropped into a hot bath or applied directly to the skin when diluted with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils to help them absorb into the skin without causing irritation, these can include coconut oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil among many others. At Bliss we love to put just a few drops of fragrant oil into our wellness baths along with coconut oil and flower petals for a luxurious bathing experience.
One of the most incredible things about essential oils is that each scent can have a personal effect on the wearer. Certain smells evoke individual memories, so by using a scent that makes us recall a time we were relaxed and happy, it can help us to re-centre, connect with our inner child or allow for a deeper focus into a positive mindset.
Here are some of our founder Zoë's personal favourite essential oils to use for different health and wellbeing benefits: (Also please see Zoë's recent feature on oils in Yoga Magazine!)
For restorative sleep:
Lavender is the perfect oil for destressing because the depth of the scent promotes calmness and wellness. The soothing nature of the smell of lavender can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which makes it the perfect sleep aid for those of us who find our minds racing when it’s time to settle down. Try putting a few drops on a cotton pad and placing it under your pillow at night to drift into a restorative, anxiety free sleep.
For a streamlined focus:
While essential oils are wonderful for switching off from the pressures of the working day, they are also an incredible aid for positively increasing your motivation. The fresh and uplifting scent of peppermint is an invigorator, which can be a wonderful remedy if you find yourself slipping out of focus during the afternoon slump. Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil with your chosen carrier oil and place on the wrists or temple to help boost your workplace clarity.
For a positive morning:
If you find yourself reluctantly dragging yourself out of bed in the mornings, wild orange could be the scent for you. The sweet, zesty citrus smell is ideal for creating an uplifting environment. When you wake up in the morning try spritzing a bottle of diluted wild orange oil around the room – the refreshing scent will boost your mood, allowing you to start the day feeling happy and fresh.
For a detoxing bath:
One of our popular wellness baths at Bliss is the detox bath – which helps to relieve the body and mind of toxicity and negative energy. Detox baths can be created using a variety of different oils and We particularly love grapefruit. Grapefruit oil is an all-round incredible healer, helping to reduce stress, enhance mood, improve digestion and fight fatigue. Try infusing grapefruit oils with Epsom salts in a warm bath for a revitalising and cleansing moment of calm.
For a beautiful natural fragrance:
Our Founder Zoe says: “I have found that the intense smell of perfumes can create an instant feeling of nausea plus the toxic mixture of ingredients and the intense scent can lead to migraines. Instead of spritzing myself with a perfume, I use a roller ball with my favourite essential oil, dabbing a little on both wrists and onto my neck. Jasmine is a wonderful signature scent as it promotes positivity and has a calming effect which can be ideal if you have a stressful day ahead.”
These are just five of the hundreds of amazing essential oils with healing and reinvigorating benefits. We recommend that as you start using oils to be aware of the effect that sense of smell can have on your mood – and there is no better way to do that than integrating beautiful essential oils into your daily routines.
We wanted to share our Bliss experience as far as it can go and so we created Bliss News. Even if you can’t go on a beautiful personalised Women’s Retreat right now, we hope you can take the time to add a bit more bliss to your life in whatever way you choose. Self love comes in all different shapes and sizes but the one thing it has in common is that it starts with you. We hope some of our ideas and laughs and wellness retreat additions are something you can incorporate into your everyday life... love Zoë xxx
Here’s what some of our amazing guests had to say about their personalised bliss experience and why they want to come back.
