Why You Should Smudge for Self-Care to Relieve Stress and Anxiety

Culturally speaking, smudging is a ritual used by many indigenous cultures. It’s their way of cleansing the body and soul, as well as removing negative energy from a space. In this day and age, we are constantly surrounded by stressors at work, home, school, or wherever else we spend our time. When you add the pressures of everyday life with the constant barrage of news about tragic events and natural disasters, it’s not hard to see why so many of us feel anxiety creep in on a regular basis. Cultivating self-care practices can help ease stress and anxiety while also boosting your self-confidence. Smudging is one such practice that has been used for centuries to promote clarity of mind and spirit.

Smudging is the process of using a sacred smoke made from burning sacred herbs, such as sage or cedar. As the incense burns, it leaves an aromatic trail in your space that is said to cleanse and purify. 

As moms, incorporating smudging into your self-care routine is one of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your life. Smudging helps you enter a meditative state and release negative energy from your space. 

There are many benefits to smudging, but three of the top ones are:

1. It creates a sense of peace and relaxation that can be soothing during times of high stress.

2. It can help regulate your breathing, which is especially helpful when you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or worry.

3. It can help alleviate fear and promote a sense of safety.

Most smudging practices involve the burning of specific herbs and plants to promote a sense of peace. The burning of these herbs in turn releases smoke, which is then directed around the body with a feather or fan. By following this process, you are able to cleanse yourself energetically while releasing any negativity.

Smudging has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures because it is one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help relieve physical symptoms related to depression, like headaches and body aches when done consistently for a few weeks at a time.

Because smudging is so simple, it’s an excellent self-care ritual for moms to easily add into our day to day. 

So if you’re looking for a quick way to relieve some stress and anxiety, give smudging a try!

Smudging is a ritual that provides many benefits for self-care. This ritual typically involves using smoke from a sacred plant such as sage to clear the space of negative energy and promote peace and clarity.

A common practice is to identify an intention or mantra thats speaks to you. 

The most important thing is to be intentional about your intention when smudging. You can do this by identifying an intention that speaks to you, meditating and/or chanting your intention. Light the herbs on fire and wave the smoke around you and your space.

A 2014 study documented white prairie sage (also known as estafiate) as an important traditional remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in certain cultures (A. White, Healthline)

As a mom, we know the feeling of stress and anxiety far too well, but we often have challenges on identifying ways that we can effectively address it. 

Adding smudging into your busy moms life is the key to utilizing the stress-relieving, calming benefits of sage is to use the practice smudging after a stressful day. Some people also like to burn sage in the morning so they start their day on a relaxing and positive note. 

A smudging practice can fit well into your de-stressing routine, like before you meditate, take a hot bath, or make your evening tea.

Smudging is a spiritual practice where sacred smoke from herbs and resins is used to cleanse a person or space. The process involves taking a smoking bundle of herbs and waving it around a person or space, allowing the aromatic smoke to touch all corners.

Smudging is a holistic practice that can be used to promote relaxation and relief from anxiety, stress and tension in the body. It also has a calming effect on the mind and can help promote sleep and health. The act of smudging is not only good for your physical health, but also your mental health. 

Smudging is an easy realistic self care ritual that can easily be implemented in your day to day taking the excuse of being too busy away!

After smudging, you will be left feeling refreshed, renewed, and calmer than before.