Wellness Essentials for Stressful Times

I started writing this post on January 25th, 2021. And I finished it on February 16, 2021 because that's what kind of year it's been.

In Ontario, it's been exactly one year since the first case of Covid-19 hit home. It's been more than 10 months since we've been living in some type of lock-down. That's 10 months of wearing masks, not hugging our family & friends, not eating at restaurants, not going to movies, not playing sports. It's been 10 months of nothing being normal.

Most of us have it easier than people during war times of the past. But that doesn't make our current reality any less stressful. We're living in fear. We're living with uncertainty. We're living with more limitations than our over-indulgent minds can handle.

These fears, stresses, anxieties and uncertainties can often come out as emotional blowups and physical ailments. Sometimes I feel my skin crawling. Sometimes I can't stop crying. Sometimes I'm just happy to be alive.

I don't claim to have the answers for all the crises we're experiencing. But I do have a lot of experience learning to regulate my moods and heal physical injuries. I've worked with many people to help them overcome anxiety and stress whether it comes up as emotional or physical pains. Many of the products I've created were made to specifically address issues that myself, my clients or students were experiencing.

Below I share how our products can have a positive impact on your physical and emotional wellbeing. Many of our designs go well beyond yoga asana practice. These are practical, sustainably made wellness and recovery tools to help you feel best and de-stress during stressful times.

Missing warm hugs?
Hot & Cold Therapy Bags are a great way to wrap yourself in warmth. Remove the cover, heat in the microwave for 1 minutes (or more if required) and wrap the magic bag around your neck & shoulders.

These are also great to keep in the freezer for soothing acute injuries like a sprained ankle or muscles spasms.

Tight Chest? Can't breath?
Try taking Support Fish Pose over a Long & Lean Bolster. I designed our bolsters to specifically maximize this chest opening pose. Our bolsters are slightly narrower than a standard bolster so your shoulders fall back, allowing a slight stretch to the chest. These super firm pillows are longer than standard bolsters to support your entire spine without needing any other props.

Check out the video below for how to practice Supported Fish Pose. You'll create a sense of space and freedom in the chest, giving you more room for breath and softness.

Feeling Anxious? Ungrounded?
Trying using weight to get grounded. Our 10Lbs Sandbags offer loving support when you can't enjoy the touch of other humans. Or deep grounding for your meditation practice.

One of my favourite uses? Adding a 10Lbs Sandbag on my feel while laying in Legs Up The Wall. This pose can have a wide range of benefits including: 
• promoting lymph flow 
• improves circulation 
• relaxes your mind 
• gently stretches lower back and backs of the legs
• calms the nervous system

Dry Skin? Static Energy in your Home? 
Try one of our essential oil blends in a diffuser to freshen and humidify your air. Don't have a diffuser? You can make your own!

Get a small metal container. Fill it with some water and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil or blend (my favourite is Calm.) Place the container on or near your radiators or furnace vents. These heat sources will warm the water, creating vapours that purify & humidify the air in your home. Moisture in the air helps with dry skin, static and more.

Trouble Sleeping?
A sleep routine can be a big help. Try taking a bath with lavender essential oil. Then some self massage as you apply lotion to your entire body. Be aware of how your hands feel on your body. Then sit quietly on a chair, edge of your bed or a meditation cushion. Close your eyes and pay attention to your breath until you feel a sense of calm wash over you. Then you'll be ready for a good night sleep!

Mood Swings? Can't Deal?
I almost always recommend a regular meditation practice to help regulate your mood and be in better control of your reactions. When I have a consistent meditation practice, I am calm and clear headed in most situations.

If you're not sure how to start meditating, you might want to start with some guided meditations. We offer an ever-growing list of free guided meditations here.

Having the right tools can help you begin and stick to meditating. I always love hearing how our customers love their Zabutons and Sit Sets. They often gush about how much more comfortable and easy meditation is once they've tried one of our Zabutons. 

I hope you find some of these tips & tools helpful in your own wellness journey. If you have any questions or need help, please don't hesitate to reach out.

xo Shelley xo