5 Essentials to Engage Your Senses and Banish the Winter Blahs!


Happy Wednesday, Friends!  Do you ever struggle with the winter blahs? Studies show that our spirits can be lifted by simply engaging the five senses. Today I'm sharing some intentional ways I practice this in my home.  Ready to banish those blahs?  Let's start with taste: This soothing honey lavender tea is a new favorite...


5 Essentials to Engage Your Senses and Banish the Winter Blahs!  mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Soothing honey lavender herbal tea served in a charming jadeite tea cup




























When I tried lavender tea in the past, I wasn't a fan.  Then recently a friend gave me this Yogi honey lavender tea and it is sooooo good! Did you know that besides its stress relief benefits, it also aids with digestive issues?  I find it really relaxing to have a cup before bed. 




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Smell: Another fave that promotes relaxation is my essential oil diffuser.  I'm a firm believer in aromatherapy and the power of scent.  At first, I only turned it on at bedtime each night, but now I use it throughout the day. Whether I'm working on the computer, cleaning, or calling it a night, I find the fragrance both relaxing and motivating. Let's just say, doing the dishes is less of a drag when a fresh lemony scent is lingering in the kitchen!  Mine from Amazon,is pictured below. Though I hunted, this particular one doesn't seem to be available anymore. However, they have a large selection in different styles and price ranges. 



5 Essentials to Engage Your Senses and Banish the Winter Blahs!  mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com  Essential oil diffuser for aromatherapy and relaxation!













































Like this one:
SpaRoom Aromamist Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser, White


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I do recommend choosing a comparable one that uses water.  Most of them do, but there are some smaller models that use a pad instead and I haven't heard good reviews on those. Here's a few of the oils I prefer.  During the day:



5 Essentials to Engage Your Senses and Banish the Winter Blahs  mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com Amazon Associate affiliate content




and at bedtime: 




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I also use these two oils for cleaning and making linen spray. They smell heavenly! You can see the details from an older post I shared that was recently included in a feature about bloggers' cleaning tips on Huffington Post, here! Or click on the photo to see my full post. 



5 Essentials to Engage Your Senses and Banish the Winter Blahs!  mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com  Huffington Post Feature: 21 Easy Cleaning Hacks to Add to Your Routine!



Sight: Surround yourself with the things that you find visually comforting.  It could be a favorite collection or fresh flowers, which always make me smile and incidentally, attract the sense of smell, too.  



5 Essentials to Engage Your Senses and Banish the Winter Blahs  mythriftstoreaddiction.blogspot.com  Surround yourself with visually comforting collections or fresh flowers to engage the sense of sight.















Sound: Get your jam on! Whether it's praise music, jazz or eighties rock, listening to upbeat music engages the sense of sound.  It has also been linked to surprising other health benefits like pain management, reducing blood pressure, post-stroke recovery and headache remedies--who knew? Read more about it here. I listen to many music genres and have really enjoyed the free downloads Amazon Prime offers.  Membership also includes free photo storage, 2 day shipping and access to their videos and books.  Try it for free here.



One of my favorite sounds...





Next, I think most of us are interested in making healthier choices. Physical activity can actually enhance our senses of touch, smell and sight. I don't know about you, but I find I do sleep better at night when I've included some exercise in my day. Between my Etsy shops and blogging, I spend a great deal of time on the computer and even though I usually begin each day with exercise, there are times when I realize hours have passed with me being sedentary. That's why I treated myself to one of these for Christmas: 





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I have to tell you--I love it! That little red stripe in the picture will show up as a reminder when I've been inactive.  Then once I get moving, it will go away.  It monitors steps, so it doesn't have to be strenuous exercise to register. Plus, I set my own daily goal for physical activity. Also, did you know it monitors sleep as well?  I have a feeling I'm not the only one who struggles with irregular sleep at times--am I right?  I've found the sleep monitor feature really helpful as it records how many hours of light versus deep sleep I get each night.  It can be synced to your phone or computer so it is really easy to use and I found some cute replacement bands for accessorizing ;) These are the ones I chose, but there is quite a selection of colors and patterns. 


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Touch: Last, but certainly not least, sometimes we just need a hug! It may sound cliche, but it's true. For me, this include fellowship whether it is attending my weekly Bible study or going to lunch with a friend. There have been times when I was down, and reaching out to someone else was just what I needed.  You never know when a warm smile, gentle hug or pat on the back might make someone's day.  Consider yourself hugged today! 



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What helps you banish the blahs?







Would you like to comment?

  1. You had me at the jadeite, Cecilia! :)

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  2. I've never tried that tea before. Like you, I'm not a fan of lavender tea. I love my diffuser! I also use real candles - vanilla is a favorite scent. I am on a quest to use more natural products...your cleaning tips are timely! I love how you've pulled all the senses in for getting rid of winter blahs. Great tips and suggestions. Hugs back!
    Cecilia

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  3. I'm one of those people who has SAD in the winter months, so I love any ideas to that might perk up the mood/senses. I'm a big fan of scented candles. I also use a light lamp. Exercise is SO good for our mood! Although on these cold, dark winter mornings it's not always easy to get motivated! xoKathleen

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  4. The tea is quite good...I found K-cups at Big Lots of all places...

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  5. I'm having the winter blahs so your post couldn't have come at a better time!

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  6. I think sound is my favorite. Whenever I am blah, I turn on the tunes and get lost in the music!! Shopping is good too...great suggestions.

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  7. All of the products are new to me and sound worth looking into. I love the fitness band features!

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  8. Great suggestions that I need to practice ... like all of them.
    Thanks for the inspiration. Nice seeing you today. Hope you found a treasure.
    Warm hugs,
    Audrey Z.

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  9. I could sure use some of that tea. Will have to see if I can find it. I use lavender lotion on my feet when having hard time with sleep and also take magnesium as the doctor says it will help, and it does!

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  10. Thank you, thank you! I love your blog so much. Just found it this morning. Especially love how you display your special treasures as I have many. Need someone to help with an arrangement. I am a widow with limited funds working with a 70's house.....I know!You have inspired me to keep going. Blessings to you

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  11. All great ideas that I totally agree with Cecilia! The only one I have to be careful with is scents. Since I've gotten older a lot of scents burn my eyes. I have that same jadite teacup and saucer. :) Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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