Exercise that Smells Fabulous – The Perks of Practising Yoga
Lighter nights, the imminent threat of flesh baring clothes and a lack of Scandinavian crime dramas on TV, has meant that we’ve put down the remote and picked up our exercise regime instead. While huffing and puffing our way around the local park is all good and well, we’re rather into a form of exercise that makes us feel fabulous inside and out and it smells just heavenly. Yoga might not be everyone’s cup of (green) tea but we find the combination of dynamic stretching and mindfulness really helps to tone up and de- stress at the same time.
One of the best things about this ancient form of exercise is that just 10 minutes a day is enough to feel refreshed and relaxed. By simply by unrolling your mat and lighting a few candles you can transform your living room into a serene yoga studio in matter of minutes. Scent is an essential part of yoga because smell can promote strong emotional reactions, such as relaxation. Incense is traditionally used in yoga as it’s believed to purify the air and soothe the mind, body and spirit - although some can find it a little overpowering.
Enter the candle! When it comes to creating a relaxing atmosphere, our Spa Jars or Lavender and Necroli candles are ideal, especially when combined with some twinkling tea lights dotted around the room. Meditation is an important part of yoga but it requires the right mental state. Candles stimulate the senses by creating a mellow atmosphere visually and the key fragrances will help trigger positive impulses in the brain. Overtime these positive impulses become a natural response to that particular scent. The mind becomes one with the impulse and responds positively when that scent is used. It’s all really rather clever! There are loads of yoga tutorials online for beginner to the more experienced yogi although we recommend going to classes as the instructor will be on hand to make adjustments to your postures. You can then top up in the privacy of your own home, in the garden, on the beach, where-ever! If stretches aren’t for you then why not skip the downward dog and just enjoy some quiet meditation instead? If you haven’t heard of it already, Headspace is a free app that delivers daily chunks of bite size meditation (www.getsomeheadspace.com) and is perfect for unwinding from the daily grind. So light those candles and get ready to enjoy some ‘me time.’ Namaste candle lovers x Some benefits of Yoga:
Jennifer Aniston Arms. Jen has been a yoga lover since those dreamy Brad Pitt Days. No more hunching. Yoga strengthens the core so you’ll be walking as tall as Naomi Campbell in no time. Stress relief. During practise you focus on your breathing and clearing your mind, not that urgent email that you might have forgotten to send earlier. It’s low impact. Perfect for older people and anyone with joint trouble – it can be strenuous though so check with a doctor first! It can be worked into your exercise regime. Yoga is often used by footballers and tennis players as part of their training plus it’s a nice antidote to those shouty exercise classes. Kind Regards 
Stephanie Barnet Marketing Executive Shearer Candles
