[Anjae]

I use vanilla or apple scented candles in my bedroon and somteimes, vanilla, cinnamon or apple insence sticks.

Also, I have gentle warm dimmed lighs (never use the ceiling lamp), and fabrics or bed linen where yellow is present. Yellow is very calming for me.

[Hope for Zen]

I like the aromatherapy, but more to calm myself than anything.  Mint is my favorite right now. 

I have posted in other threads before, but for early post bomb drop calming I used a podcast (free) called Meditation Station.  Very good exercises that helped me find a few moments calm, even on my worst days.  That and a self-hypnosis app for iPhone helped me stop using sleeping pills to go to sleep again. 

[hyperglad]

Wow this has come at the right time for me...having a bit of an angsty day and read this and remembered before BD when I was trying to get us to connect more I had bought an aromatherapy set, massage oil etc ...H was not having any of it so I shoved it on the top shelf in the wardrobe...just got it out its called serenity and it is a mixture of Geranium,Lavender. Marjorim and Patchouli

I have just put some on and it smells so good, hopefully it will relax me and I will have a good nights sleep....thanks for the bump 

[StandandDeliver]

I love this - my sister gave me a lavander oil spray for my linen and lavendar candles to help me sleep when she came to stay after BD last year. I still use it. I have cinnamon oil scent in my bedroom cos I love the smell and I burn different incense in the fireplace everynight and it makes the house smell really nice. From time to time I wear vanilla perfume as it calms me down. I really love the sage idea, and the geranium... will have to see if similar is available over here.

[WarriorPriestess]

I am burning a vanilla candle right now and drinking a cup of very yummy smelling French tea.  Mmmmm. 

[hyperglad]

I don't like the smell of vanilla it makes me feel sick ...but i love Lemon and Ginger tea...it is lovely xxx

[WarriorPriestess]

Whatever works for you Hyper...indulge yourself! 

[Stillpraying]

We all know, almost as soon as we join this community that GAL is important.

So I thought it would be great if we could post some ideas or ask for advise on checking out new hobbies here.  For example, I'm really keen to learn some horse riding skills but don't really know where to start.  I don't want to own a horse but just enjoy a trail ride every so often. (one of my little girl dreams)

I'll start by adding a few of my own and also one that Believer posted on another thread.

• Take a walk on a nice trail or walk the dog.
  
  Enjoy a long bath
  
  Join a craft or common interest group. If childcare is an issue, start one in your own home.
  
  Invite people to help you re-do your furniture or de-clutter your home.
  
  Play a board game with your kids.

I completely understand what you mean about it being nice to finally be able to focus on other things..

I'm not sure if you are a crafting person however in addition to reading I have found much peace in crafts. I make cards and scrapbook etc.  however this past year I have decided that I wanted to paint. I wanted to do something whimsical and fun. I discovered a mixed media artist Christy Tomlinson online. I have just enrolled in a couple of her online workshops !! which works well for me and helps keep it affordable too. My next workshop will be the one called "She has Three Hearts"
I'm looking forward to it - it will be therapuetic for me to look at who I am and come up with the three different hearts.  I have copied the link for anyone who may be interested.
I look at these creative projects as my gift to me.....and the best part you don't have to be an artist to do these ..gotta love that 

http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/christytomlinson/she-had-three-hearts-art-journaling-workshop.html

I realize it's not a book recommendation but it does help us grow...does that count ? 
Believer

[Anjae]

If you do not have kids and r«living back with your family, enjoy the family.

Make new friends.

Read

Learn to enjoy watching movies and tv series on your own.

Go to the seaside

Dinne at friends house if you can

[LeaveThePastBehind]

Actually, today I was so anxious to have a nice walk in nature somewhere. Alas, there isn't really much nature here in Brooklyn, New York unless I take the train somewhere. I really wish I lived in a more natural environment.


I've tried taking classes in soapmaking, I make jewelry, I sew, I LOVE interior decorating, ...I pretty much love to work with my hands and it makes me feel so good to get to work making things.   I've tried very hard to turn it into a business so it can help me, in more ways than one, but it just didn't work out. I like to create for myself anyway and although I haven't been able to work on anything new for months, those are a couple of ways I express myself And singing   I love singing and listening to my favorite music.