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The stress and strain of constantly being connected can sometimes take your life -- and your well-being -- off course. GPS For The Soul can help you find your way back to balance.
GPS Guides are our way of showing you what has relieved others' stress in the hopes that you will be able to identify solutions that work for you. We all have de-stressing "secret weapons" that we pull out in times of tension or anxiety, whether they be photos that relax us or make us smile, songs that bring us back to our heart, quotes or poems that create a feeling of harmony, or meditative exercises that help us find a sense of silence and calm. We encourage you to look at the GPS Guide below, visit our other GPS Guides here, and share with us your own personal tips for finding peace, balance and tranquility.
What we all love about each season varies. Some love the climate, whether it's basking in the sun or playing in the snow; some look forward to the events, like the barbecues or family gatherings around the holiday dinner table. No matter what season you prefer, each change in weather comes with a nostalgic, olfactory reminder of what makes it so appealing -- and the upcoming winter is no exception. Whether it's the scent of the crackling fireplace or the smell of peppermint, the most prominent winter aromas may even contain some wellness perks.
Take some time to celebrate the first official day of winter on Saturday, December 21 with these calming, seasonal scents. Your stress level just might benefit from it!
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Pine
Here's a good excuse to keep the Christmas tree around the house longer: Its scent can also serve as therapeutic stress relief. <a href="http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20428734,00.html" target="_blank">One study conducted at Japan's Kyoto University</a> found that participants who went on a walk through pine forests returned with significantly lower depression, hostility and anxiety levels. The study also found that stressed-out participants had a greater feeling of relaxation after being surrounded by the scent.
Ginger
The warm scent of ginger commonly associated with holiday cookies has also been used for years by <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/128211-benefits-ginger-oil/" target="_blank">aromatherapy professionals</a> in order to help heal emotional strain. The aroma of ginger oil has also been proven to help treat <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julie-chen-md/aromatherapy_b_3698319.html" target="_blank">headaches</a>, and is known to ease the symptoms of <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/128211-benefits-ginger-oil/" target="_blank">motion sickness and jet lag</a>.
Peppermint
In addition to its starring role in the staple candy of the season, peppermint can also relieve your worries. Peppermint oil has been proven to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/07/health-benefits-peppermin_n_4393421.html" target="_blank">relieve tension headaches</a> brought on by stress. The scent of peppermint can also help <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/07/health-benefits-peppermin_n_4393421.html" target="_blank">boost your mental stamina and concentration</a>.
Cranberry-Orange
Cranberries are part of both dinner and decoration at our holiday tables, but when mixed with a citrusy scent in essential oil, it can also help fight anxiety. Tart, citrusy smells have been proven to help <a href="http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/emotional-health/scent-citrus-shown-reduce-stress" target="_blank">curb stress and aid in digestion</a>.
Chocolate
Not only is chocolate a delectable holiday dessert, but a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/10/science/memory-it-seems-a-whiff-of-chocolate-helps.html" target="_blank">whiff of it may actually stimulate your memory</a>. One study found that college students who smelled the sweet treat during a word exercise and again the following day were better at recalling the answers than participants who did not smell the aroma.
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