October Reset: Creating a Calmer Evening Routine
There is something about this time of year that always feels like a little reset. The end of our summer freedom, the long lighter days of summer a near distance memory and routines begin to return.
But perhaps a routine doesn’t have to mean filling every hour of the day. For me, October is a reminder that a good routine should also include time to slow down. We are starting to spend more time indoors as the nights begin to draw in, so this is a perfect opportunity to highlight essential oils & the power of scent.
In the book Perfumery: the psychology and biology of fragrance by Toller & Dodd, it discusses our sense of smell having a particularly powerful connection with emotion, memory & our physical sensations. Unlike many of our other senses, aromas are processed through areas of the brain closely associated with emotion & memory. This helps explain why a familiar fragrance can instantly transport us to a particular place or bring back a feeling from the past - quite powerful stuff & not to be underestimated. Different aromas can also influence how we perceive our surroundings & how we feel in a particular moment – which is why fragrance can be such a lovely & important part of a relaxation or bedtime ritual.
The Importance of an evening routine
When life is busy, bedtime can become something we simply fall into, literally dragging ourselves to bed after a busy long day & expecting yourself to switch off immediately.
Creating a simple evening ritual can help signal your body & mind that the day is coming to an end. It doesn’t need to be complicated - in fact the simpler the better!
Perhaps it’s making a cup of your favourite herbal tea, putting your phone away & having a break from social media, dimming the lights, reading a few pages of a book or taking a few quite minutes to breathe and/or mediate.
And this is where essential oils can become part of that little ritual. A favourite fragrance can become a lovely cue for relaxation. Over time, using the same calming scent as part of your evening routine can help create an association between that aroma & winding down. It isn’t about creating a perfect bedtime routine - it’s about finding something that feels good & works for you, that is realistic enough to repeat.
Essential Oils for Relaxation
Lavendar is always a favourite but there are several other lovely essential oils that deserve a mention for creating a calming & relaxing atmosphere:
Roman Chamomile: soft, sweet - apple like. Traditionally associated with calming & comforting, when you want something a gentle - great oil for soothing frayed nerves.
Bergamot: fresh, citrusy & slightly floral. Great for creating an uplifting & relaxing aroma rather than sedating.
Sweet Orange: warm, cheerful & comforting. A lovely choice when stress has left you feeling tense or emotionally drained.
Frankincense: woody, resinous & grounding. Has a deeper aroma that works beautifully in evening blend & mediation rituals
Ylang Ylang: rich, floral & sensual. Traditionally used in aromatherapy for relaxation & helping to create a peaceful atmosphere. A little goes a long way!
Clary Sage: herbaceous, warm & slightly sweet. Softly soothing & great oil for hormonal support. Often included in relaxing blends & a great oil to use that’s less floral.
Marjoram: warm, herbal & slightly sweet. Particularly comforting for evening blends.
Cedarwood: warm, woody & grounding. Excellent for creating a cosy, settled feeling in an evening blend.
Vetiver: earthy, smoky & deep. This oil is deeply relaxing & very grounding. Powerful – use sparingly!
My favourite part of my evening ritual is my bath time. With dimmed lights, chilled music & a bath full of one of my favourite scents, helps me wash away the day’s stresses & resets my mind & body to bed mode! Have a look at Kaori Remedies’ Sleep & Relaxation range for inspiration.
Each product is designed to become part of your own self-care ritual – whether that’s a few minutes of relaxation after a busy day or creating a calmer atmosphere before bed.
You don’t need to completely change your lifestyle to feel the benefit of a little more calm! Sometimes its simply about creating a small moment that belongs to you.
So as October brings it’s new routines, perhaps make one of those routines doing less….breathe, take a moment & let the day go! And most importantly - give yourself permission to make rest part of the routine too!!