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Sleep and Insomnia – How to Fall Asleep with Fragrance

23/02/202429/08/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

Our reason for writing an article on Sleep and Insomnia – How to Fall Asleep with Fragrance, came about when we were contacted recently by a number of customers and specialist groups regarding sleep deprivation, and it’s effect on our general well-being and mental health.

If you were asked to suggest a product to include in a list of the ‘Best or Most Life Changing products’, that has to suit all budgets… Would one of the first things that spring to mind be, something that helps you get a ‘Good Nights Sleep’?

One of the most important things we need to do after ‘Breathing’, ‘Hydrating’ and ‘Eating’ is ‘SLEEPING’…
Sleeping is not just some down time from our busy routine, the body and mind needs sleep to repair and heal.

So as odd as it may seem, one of the best or one of the most life changing things / gifts you could give to someone is a good night’s sleep – just ask any new parent if they agree?

Lack of sleep can make us feel physically unwell, impair concentration, and leave us feeling stressed, anxious and irritable.
Findings of recent studies also point to the fact that sleep deprivation can also contribute to heart disease, premature ageing, and is a known factor in road accidents

With our increasingly busy lives it’s estimated that we now sleep around 90 minutes less each night than we did in the 1920s.
When we see it written like this it may not seem so bad, but if we were all asked to get up an hour and a half earlier than normal every day, but still go to bed at the same time each night .. really how would we feel?

Now if you add to this the large number of people who already suffer with problems sleeping, it’s obvious that many people are now functioning in a permanently sleep-deprived state.
Some people suffer from serious sleep problems, ranging from the inability to get to sleep (insomnia) to the inability to stay awake (narcolepsy).

However thankfully many sleep problems are temporary, and there are some very basic self-help measures which will help get you back to a more normal sleeping pattern.

One of the ‘Top Tips’ that every sleep expert gives is – prepare and unwind before going to bed, we have all read that switching off all our electronic devices, is very important, but why?

Electronics such as tablets, laptops and smart phones emit artificial light that can deter and disrupt sleep. Insure that you sleep in a darkened, well ventilated and quite room, and avoid stimulating activities, such as using electronics and exercise just prior to sleep. The advise on stimulating activities just before sleep, did raise a number of eyebrows… but we are sure that we can leave that up to you to judge.

Adopting a bedtime routine can promote consistent and restful sleep.

Here at PAIRFUM London the product that we have designed/created to help people sleep is our ‘Pillow Spray’ – For A Deep Night’s Sleep ( well we didn’t create it to help them sleep at work – but if the product works that well – what more need we say).

However, when our customers come back and say – “Thank You, for the first time in months I have slept until my alarm went off”…. We love it.

So if you do have a problem nodding off to sleep at night, and would like to learn more about the PAIRFUM Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Then why not pop over to the PAIRFUM London website to find out more… Until then Sweet Dreams x

Meditation – Top 5 Ways To De-Stress

23/02/202422/08/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

We have all been aware for some time that meditation has proven benefits for dealing with stress management, and improvement in overall health.

There are many different types of meditation that are practised worldwide, and each discipline brings with it something unique.

It would appear that everybody is doing it, and as with most things in life some forms of meditations may feel more comfortable for you than others.

However when we see how many different ways of doing meditation there are, dozens of meditation techniques, including some conflicting information.

It begs the question, is it something for you, and if so which one is best suited for you?

When deciding which form of meditation to use, the first question you should ask yourself is

‘WHY’?

Why am I doing it, and what do I want to get out of it…

If like most people, it is to find a way to de-stress, then perhaps one of the five meditations we mention below, may be for you. Perhaps it is simply taking or using some, or a combination of the techniques discussed.

1 – Mindfulness Meditation

Somewhere in our recent past (very recent past) the word ‘Mindfulness’ suddenly appeared in our everyday vernacular, but what does it really mean? Fundamentally, it is a translation of the word ‘Sati’, a word in the Pali language of ancient India in which many original Buddhist texts were written – roughly translated as ‘awareness. It is used to describe the sense of ‘Living in the Moment of Now’, or having present moment awareness. It’s practitioners claim that with practice, it can be used in any situation, and can bring lasting stress relief and health benefits.

2 – Mantra meditation

A mantra is one of the most common forms used for meditation – and believed by people who use it to be one of the most powerful ones. The practice of mantra meditation is found in many of the world’s reflective traditions, and also in the practice of meditation in a secular context. It has been proven effective as a stress relief technique. Some people may feel odd at first repeating a word aloud, or even under their breath, but for those who enjoy having a focus during practice, mantra meditation can be a perfect way to do this. It also allows you to focus on a word whose meaning resonates strongly with you, like, “Hope”, “Love”, “Peace”, “Let Go” …. it does not really matter just as long as it works for you.

3 – Metta Meditation

Knows as the ‘Loving Kindness Meditation’ – Metta is another word that comes from Pali, which means kindness, benevolence, and good will. This form of compassion meditation has been tested scientifically to demonstrate the efficacy of metta and related meditative practices. People who use this form of meditation say it’s benefits include the following – boosting one’s ability to empathise with others, it helps to develop positive emotions through compassion, which includes a more loving attitude towards oneself. Increased self-acceptance, a greater feeling of contentment about one’s life, and an increased feeling of a purpose in life

4 – Taoist Meditations

The Chinese philosophy of Daoism (which is also practised as a religion) and dates back to Lao Tzu, is the practise of living in harmony with Nature. The purpose is to quieten the mind and body, to unify the body and spirit and find inner peace. Some styles of Taoist Meditation are specifically focused on improving health and increasing longevity.

5 – The 5-Minute Meditation

Now whether you choose to try a particular form of meditation or not, in your quest to relax and de-stress. Anything that is called the ‘5 Minutes Meditation’ is worth a try … there are two main benefits to five-minute meditations – firstly, they can be effective for relieving stress quickly when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands. Secondly, well do you really need a ‘secondly’ when it takes just 5 minutes, to calm down, lower your blood pressure and think more clearly. What is the ‘5 minuet meditation’? well basically – you get yourself into a comfortable position, close your eyes and relax. Take a few deep breaths from your diaphragm, become aware of the tension in your body, and then slowly and gently release it. Try to visualise the tension leaving your body from your head to your toes, leaving in it’s place a feeling of warm, peaceful relaxation.

Don’t worry about whether you are doing it correctly or not, meditation is something we know how to do naturally, we just do not take the time to do it…

So from everyone here at PAIRFUM LONDON, we say relax ” Take time to smell the Roses” – you deserve it….

Should How We Wear Perfume change during a Heatwave?

01/08/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

It may seem like a funny question to ask, but should how we wear Perfume change during a heatwave?

However there are very good reasons to change what you wear during hot weather, for example our skin temperature is naturally higher when we are out in the Sun, and Perfume on your skin will evaporate faster and can appear stronger.

The temperature of your skin and of the air, affects the way molecules evaporate and consequently the way perfume smells.

So – Should How We Wear Perfume change during a Heatwave?

Most people would say that there are no hard and fast rules for summer perfume.

It will really depend on everything from your location, your personal taste, to your culture.

The following are a few top tips from Huib Maat of PAIRFUM London:

Always remember the “Less is More” rule when it comes to ‘Perfume & Hot Weather’.

When deciding which Perfume to choose – one insiders secret – and don’t tell your partners I told you..

Don’t forget to check the Men’s section of the Perfumery counter, or maybe just borrow some from someone! – you may happen to know…..

WHY, I hear you ask?

Well – Citrus, fresh Green or Aquatic notes are perfect in the heat, and most classical or modern male colognes contain these…

Try it! you may be very surprised how much you love them – on you.. and (your partner may also be very surprised when his goes missing!!)

We have been conditioned over the years to associate certain perfumes or notes, with certain meteorological conditions.

Fresh, light, cool fragrances are synonymous with warm weather, and the heavier, sultry, warmer notes with colder days.

However- never be afraid to experiment – just as with the idea of using a Men’s cologne..

Wearing a perfume or fragrance that contains notes such as incense, woods or spices, can be perfect Summer fare.

Just remember the most important tip of all – is to relax and have fun with your summer perfume.

What Your Perfume Says about You

23/02/202427/07/2018 by Josephine McCarthy

What Your Perfume Says about You – you may be surprised… but it speaks volumes and is very telling!

Like your clothes, your favourite tipple, the music you listen to or the books you read, your choice of fragrance says a lot about the type of person you are.

It’s almost impossible to pick a fragrance without it being a reflection of your life experience, or one that does not contain certain aspects of your personality.

You may have heard the phrase “you are what you eat”, well we here at PAIRFUM London believe that “You are what you wear” – in regards to Perfume that is…It is also the reason why !!

Before PAIRFUM London creates a ‘Perfume’, our Perfumer always has in mind a profile of the type of person, he is creating the fragrance for. It is like a vocation or some may even say a religious calling, to match the fragrance notes to the personality or spirit of the wearer.

When deciding on which Perfume to ‘Wear’ or ‘Buy’, your decision may not be as random or simple as you think….

Numerous studies, and countless hours over the the last 30 years have been spent on researching the effects of the sense of smell and taste on human emotion, mood, behaviour, and related disease.

From researchers conducting personality tests on subjects, and then comparing them with the results of tests carried out on participants who took part in a study of ‘fragrance and flavor preferences’. With one researcher describing the tests as a ‘Rorschach’ test but using odour.

How? you may ask could a ‘Personality’ test and your ‘Fragrance’ preferences be related?

Research into why we chose one particular aroma over another, has fascinated scientists and researchers for decades.

It stands to reason that we will obviously have a better understanding of someone, if you know their likes and dislikes. If this is the case, then it must also stand to reason why, ‘Understanding’ ourselves and our ‘Personalities’ would help us make more informed decisions.

This relates to every aspect of our lives, relationships, decision making, work, rest and play…

If you are looking for that ‘Someone Special’, and have ventured out on that first date….

You meet ‘Ms or Mr. Possibly Perfect’ for the first time and smell their ‘perfume or cologne’, and instantly even if you are not always aware of it.. you know much more about their personality than you think…..

DO YOU KNOW YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE?

IF NOT – WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IT IS?

The following is the ‘Myers-Briggs’ personality chart:

Which one are you? are you a………..

ESTJ: A true leader, they recognises the strength of the individual, as well as that of the group.

ISTJ: A hard worker very reliable and dependable, a true Friend.

ESFJ: A person who enjoy helping others, are the perfect role model.

ISFJ: Have the ability to connect with others on an intimate level, is supportive and one of the worlds peacemakers.

ESTP: Are full of passion and energy, have rational if sometimes distracted mind, wonderful at Inspiring others, are natural group leaders.

ISTP: Are known for their creativity, sense of humour, hands-on approach and their strong sense of direct fairness

ISFP: Live a life full of colour and are inspired by connections with people and ideas, sensitive to others feelings and appreciate harmony

ESFP: Lives in the moment and excitement of life, are generous, encouraging and has irresistible style.

INFJ: Decisive, full of creativity, imagination and conviction.

ENTP: Loves to play ‘Devil’s advocate’, are honest, independent and love to brainstorm ideas and think big.

ENTJ: Are natural-born leaders, with a personality type that embodies the gifts of charisma and confidence.

INFP: The worlds true idealists, who will always look for the good in even the worst of people and events.

ENFJ: Born leaders, that are full of passion and charisma and are naturally confident.

ENFP: Is a true free spirit, enjoying social and emotional connections, they are also charming, independent, energetic and compassionate.

INTP: Inventiveness, creativity with a unique perspective and vigorous intellect.

INTJ: A natural thirst for knowledge, are starry-eyed idealists that think nothing is impossible, look at life like a a giant chess board.

Understanding a personality type, our own, that of someone we love or someone we have just met. Could help us navigate more easily the day to day interaction in our work and social life.