Scent and Music Can Bring More Balance Into Your Life

Photo by Dennis Wong

Sometimes when I feel stressed or out of balance, I think I need to do something major. Although, I would love to take a few weeks off my work and family responsibilities, it is not always possible. I have realized that I benefit tremendously from some little things I can do along the way to help myself unwind and reduce some of the pressure that I have accumulated. Along with my practice of meditation and yoga, I find that something as simple as a pleasant smell or a relaxing music can reduce stress, elevate mood, energize us and even help us sleep better. There is a lot of research that is being done on the effects of aromas and music on reducing or eliminating many medical conditions. Do you find that music and aromas help you to feel more balanced? Here are few suggestions that work for me:

• Notice what time of the day or what days of the week you get the most stressed out and tense and introduce either a relaxing aroma or music during that time. For example, on my way from work, I unwind by listening to my favorite CD and even singing along. I noticed that by the time I get home, I am much more relaxed and ready for the family part of the human experience.


• If you have a lot on your mind and have a hard time falling asleep, try inducing your favorite scent in your bedroom. For example, I love sandalwood incents or you can buy a little oil burner and find the essential oil that relaxes you most. Of course, simple candles work very well too. Interestingly, if you find a scent that really works for you, you will be able to condition your mind-body to relax as soon as the smell is on. For example, if lavender is relaxing and you used it to relax or meditate, next time you smell lavender in a different environment, it will quickly induce the relaxation state for your mind and body.


• Don’t forget, you can perform a self-massage with your favorite oil. To save money, I use organic sesame oil (not toasted) with a few drops of lavender. You can even warm it up by putting it in hot water. And no, you are not going to feel too oily. It is extremely nourishing and moisturizing for your skin especially during dry winter months. If you are still worried about feeling too oily, perform an oil massage before the bath in the evening or a shower in the morning. Finally, if you don’t have time, massage your feet and your head with a little bit of oil. I do it before I go to bed and feel that I sleep much better when it is done.


• Put together a relaxing music mix that you can take with you on your trips, walks or just listen at home. I have to travel a lot for work, so I downloaded a great iPhone application has everything from mini-meditations to music therapy that make me feel more at ease when I am on the road.


• Instead of watching a lot of TV at night, listen to a relaxing music, enjoy a relaxing scent in your room and read something pleasant. You will be amazed at how well you sleep and how great you feel the next day.

Are you ready to have a little music therapy session? Take a deep inhale, exhale, close your eyes and listen to the sound of the rain and have your worries wash away.

Looking for a cool aromatherapy gift for your significant other? Check out how you can enjoy the pleasant smells as you work on your computer.