Self-care shouldn’t be reserved for just one season – it’s essential all year long. However, as autumn rolls in and the air fills with cozy smells and sights, it’s the perfect opportunity to elevate your self-care routine with seasonal delights. One of the best, most plentiful seasonal treats to embrace is cinnamon spice – so grab some of this sweet seasoning and elevate your self-care routine this fall, y’all!
Why Cinnamon Spice is a Self-care Dream
Pumpkin spice seems to be a divisive topic for some people. Some love it; others dread its heralding announcement that cooler days are heading our way. I blame these negative feelings on years of overexposure and hype fatigue. So, let’s skip the pumpkin and focus on the preeminent spice of the season: Cinnamon!
Cinnamon spice is inexpensive and abundant. It can be found in multiple forms and appeals to many senses. It is a self-care dream!
Cinnamon has been valued for centuries not only as a spice but also for its potential health benefits. Here are some key health benefits associated with cinnamon:
- Antioxidant Properties
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- Blood Sugar Regulation
- Cardiovascular Health Support
- Digestive Health
How I use Cinnamon Spice in my Self-care Routine
I primarily utilize cinnamon in two different ways in my self-care routines: through smell and taste. The scent of freshly baked spice bread gives me comfort and happiness. But to take it up a notch, nothing can beat the feeling of taking a bite of the delicious, warm treat.
Let’s look at ways to sprinkle some cinnamon into your self-care routine through taste.
A Word of Caution — Safety First!
First, a word of caution: there are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Ceylon cinnamon is considered safer to consume than Cassia cinnamon because it contains significantly lower levels of coumarin. For those looking to ingest cinnamon frequently for its health benefits, Ceylon is the safer choice.
The Sweetness of Cinnamon Spice in My Morning Drink
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My favorite way to include cinnamon spice in my self-care routine is by purchasing richly flavored cinnamon coffee and tea. Nothing beats the warm scent of cinnamon infusing into my morning cup of coffee. It fills my home with its seasonal brightness while tantalizing my taste buds.
Cinnamon Gummies, Supplements, and More!
Cinnamon gummies are another easy way to add pure cinnamon spice to my daily intake, as are Cinnamon supplements. Remember to always look for Ceylon cinnamon.
Purchasing some premixed cinnamon sugar is an easy way to add this spice to your daily routine by:
- Adding to your morning coffee or tea.
- Sprinkling on oatmeal or yogurt.
- Incorporating into smoothies, baked goods, or curries.
Harnessing the Power of Cinnamon for Grounding
Chewing gum is one of my ‘go-to’ stress relievers. This tiny yet powerful grounding tool is used through scent, touch, and taste. When the leaves begin to change and a chill snaps in the air, I always switch my favorite gum to a cinnamon flavor.
Easy-To-Grab Pick Me Ups
In addition to gum, I always try to have some little treats within reach, like these candies and sugar-free varieties. This way, I always have a tiny treat available when I want one.
Moderation is key when using cinnamon for health benefits. If you have any medical conditions, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating large amounts into your diet.
A Tantalizing Aroma Does More Than Just Smell Good
Not only does eating cinnamon produce health benefits, but the scent of cinnamon can have a surprising and positive impact on the brain. Here are some key ways that cinnamon’s aroma influences cognitive and emotional functions:
- Enhances Cognitive Function by Stimulating Brain Activity
- Boosts Memory, Recall, and Recognition
- Enhances Mood
- Increases Mental Alertness and Reduces Mental Fog
- Reduces Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety (As seen in this study)
- May Reduce Symptoms of Motion Sickness
- Stimulates the Central Nervous System
How to Use the Scent of Cinnamon Spice for Cognitive Benefits
The scent of cinnamon taps into areas of the brain responsible for both memory and mood, providing both cognitive and emotional benefits. Some simple ways to take advantage of cinnamon spice scents are:
- Aromatherapy: Use cinnamon spice essential oils in a diffuser to fill your space with its scent.
- Cinnamon Spice Candles: Light cinnamon-scented candles to enhance both the ambiance and your brain function.
- Scented treats: Indulge in cinnamon-scent treats such as this Cinnamon Donut Swirl body lotion
- Direct inhalation: You can carry a small vial of cinnamon essential oil to inhale when you need a quick pick-me-up.
- Functional Decorations: Many seasonal decorations come pre-scented like these pinecones and cinnamon sticks.
3 O’Clock Wednesday
This week, remember to practice our three things for three minutes.
- 1. Pause and give yourself grace for not being perfect all the time
- 2. Affirm that you are worthy, deserving, and in need of self-care love because you are the one and only magnificent you!
- 3. Make a quick self-care plan for the upcoming week. You can decide to indulge in an autumnal cinnamony treat, go to a home goods store and sniff all the scented pinecones, or sprinkle some fragrant cinnamon on your coffee, tea, or oatmeal for a sensory boost.
Visit our home page for more Lilly Strong articles.
Read all the articles in the Magnet for Narcissists series.
#1 Are You a Magnet for Narcissists: 8 Possible Reasons Why
Seeking Approval: #2 Magnet for Narcissists
Fear of Rejection: #3 Narcissist Magnet
Are You Easy to Manipulate?: #4 Narcissist Magnet
The Vulnerable Prey: Low Self-Esteem and the Narcissist’s Trap
