The power of
5
Senses
Deepening our relaxation through sensory perception
Our five senses - sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch - play an important role in our well-being. By using them in a targeted manner, we can create moments of relaxation. A beautiful picture, soothing sounds, a pleasant scent, the taste of something delicious or a gentle touch - all of these can help us reduce stress and arrive in the here and now.
See
Nature's Symphony
Visual relaxation techniques are a great way to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a relaxed mood. Our brains respond quite quickly to visual stimuli, which is why this type of relaxation often has an immediate effect. Here are a few concrete suggestions:
Colour has a powerful effect on us. It can calm us down, cheer us up or inspire us. For centuries we have used the symbolism of colour in art and in everyday life to evoke different emotions and feelings. Cool colours like blue and green, as well as pastels in cool tones and neutral colours like white, beige and grey can help us to calm down and relax. With the right colours we can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere that supports us in our everyday lives.
It helps to look at pictures or videos with calming natural motifs such as forests, mountains, oceans or meadows. Videos with flowing water such as rivers or waterfalls are particularly effective.
Light a candle! - Candle flames are a calming and relaxing source. They can help clear your head and create an atmosphere of security.
Smell
Nature's Symphony
Scents have a direct influence on our feelings and can help us to switch off and relax. In aromatherapy, essential oils are used specifically to calm the body and mind and promote well-being. Scents have a direct effect on the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for emotions and memory.
Lavender is one of the most well-known scents for relaxation. Lavender helps to lower the pulse and relieve restlessness. It is good for stress, sleep problems and nervousness.
Chamomile scent is gentle and comforting. It calms the nervous system and relieves inner tension, making it ideal before going to bed.
Bergamot is a fresh and slightly fruity scent. It has an anti-anxiety and calming effect. It lifts the mood and reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Sandalwood is a warm and earthy scent that promotes inner peace and balance. Sandalwood helps to clear thoughts and develop mindfulness.
The aroma of cedar wood conveys security and stability, creating a calming and relaxed atmosphere.
These aromas can be used through an aroma lamp, a diffuser or as a bath additive.
Hear
Nature's Symphony
Please don't stop the music - Sounds and melodies have a great influence on our moods and feelings. Music has a healing effect. It helps us to reduce stress, improve our mood and increase our well-being.
When we listen to music, different areas of our brain are activated, especially those responsible for emotions and memory. Music has a positive effect on the release of endorphins, the so-called feel-good hormones. At the same time, it inhibits the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
In addition to music, certain sounds from nature, such as the sound of the sea, birdsong or raindrops, also have a stress-reducing effect.
The so-called "white noise" is a constant background noise like the sound of a waterfall, which is often used to relieve inner restlessness and to help you fall asleep better.
Taste good
Nature's Symphony
Spices and aromas have a positive effect on our well-being. They stimulate the senses, awaken memories and influence certain chemical processes in our brain. Thanks to certain receptors that are activated by the scent and taste of herbs and spices, the happiness hormones serotonin and dopamine are produced in greater quantities.
Vanilla and cinnamon are flavors known for their calming and mood-enhancing effects.
Certain spices such as turmeric, ginger and saffron are said to have stress-regulating properties.
Turmeric contains the polyphenol curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Saffron, also known as the "gold of spices," is used in natural medicine to boost mood and help with mild depression. The active ingredients crocin and safranal are believed to work similarly to antidepressants.
Ginger is also a spice that is said to have antioxidant and immune-protective properties, making it very good for promoting well-being.
Regina's Spicy Ginger-Lemon Infusion:
4 slices of fresh ginger
2 slices of organic lemon
a few saffron threads, a few chili flakes
1 TL Honig
pour hot water over it
(I'm actually drinking it as I write this.)
Faces of Humanity
Sands of Time
Feel
Nature's Symphony
The healing power of touch - Touch stimulates receptors in the skin that transmit signals to the brain and promote the release of the "cuddle hormone" oxytocin. Oxytocin creates a feeling of connection, trust and security. It can reduce stress and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Even brief touches such as a hug or holding hands have been shown to have positive effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Touch lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Touch therefore helps the body to reach a state of relaxation and promotes the ability to recover more quickly from stressful experiences.
Not only direct skin-to-skin contact can have a beneficial effect; materials that we touch can also trigger deep sensations. The nature of a material, its softness, temperature and structure influence how pleasant or relaxing we find a touch.
Wool and cashmere: These natural materials are not only soft and pleasant on the skin, but also convey a feeling of warmth and security. Due to their structure, wool and cashmere are slightly stretchy and adapt to the body. This gentle pressure acts like a light hug that can have a calming effect on our nervous system.
Cotton and linen: These materials have a smooth, cooling texture and are particularly breathable. They offer a gentle, neutral touch that has a calming effect without overheating the body.
Silk: The soft, cooling touch of silk can be particularly soothing and give a feeling of lightness. Silk also has a temperature-regulating effect, helping to keep the skin cool and dry.
Velvet: The soft, velvety texture is particularly pleasant for the skin and gives a warm, enveloping feeling. Many people find velvet particularly soothing as the texture provides a kind of "hold" and retains warmth.
Natural materials such as wood and stone: Not only fabrics, but also materials such as wood and stone can have positive effects on well-being through touch. The textures of wood and stone create a feeling of grounding and connection to nature. A smooth, warm wooden object in the hand or the cool, gentle contact with stone can have a calming effect and help us to experience the moment consciously.
