Over the years, various items and activities have gained the label of ‘stress-relieving’ and are highly sought after in times of increased tension. However, some everyday items with the same benefits may be overlooked, including Lithuanian amber, linen, and beeswax.
February 3, 2023. Any help is welcome when talking about releasing daily pressure — from watching a favorite TV show to working out. However, the anti-stress properties of some everyday items such as candles, socks, and jewelry — can often go unnoticed.
Practicing self-care does not need to be complicated or expensive, but it is essential to reducing overall stress. Lithuanians are not strangers to this practice, as multiple locally-grown and manufactured items — from linen sheets to amber accessories — have been seen as anxiety-reducing staples for years.
Below is a list of six anti-stress goods made in Lithuania.
Herbal tea remedies. The longest-practicing pagan nation in Europe, Lithuania, used to have a strong belief in the power of nature and a thorough understanding of its curative qualities. Today, Lithuania is known for its many herbal farm’s thanks to the expertise that has been passed down and maintained for generations. Chamomile and lemon balm, for example, can be found in almost any Lithuanian pantry and have been noted for relieving tension, improving the heart, and increasing sleep quality.
Miracle of the sea. Lithuanian ancestors also believed that amber — fossilized drops of tree resin — encourage creativity and ward off evil, two welcome effects for stressed-out individuals. In the modern age of science, amber’s anti-inflammatory properties and the existence of antioxidants and other agents which produce a relaxing, calming effect over time have been proven. By simply coming into contact with skin when worn as jewelry or specifically used in spa procedures, “Lithuanian gold” relieves tension over time.
Bed linen for improved sleep. Lithuanians have sung about linen in their songs for generations, as it was a staple fabric used for clothing, decoration, and bedding in many homes. Linen is also naturally breathable and heavy — and weighted bedding is growing in popularity, as it’s believed to help reduce anxiety and insomnia, leading to better rest throughout the night and improved mood during the day.
Natural candles to ease the mind. Beekeeping is an essential part of the idyllic imagery of Lithuania’s countryside and an important aspect of the country’s cultural heritage — and one of its many outputs is beeswax candles. Not only do they smell deliciously of meadow flowers and honey, radiate a pleasant warmth, and create a cozy feeling in the home, but Lithuanians also believe they can harmonize, relax, and purify the mind. The flame of the natural beeswax candle allegedly has a strong, energetic power, which makes these candles particularly suitable for meditation and christening celebrations.
Wondrous properties of wool. In Lithuania, wool has made great strides. From the finest thread used by contemporary fashion designers in their designs to the sheepskin that Lithuanians used to wrap themselves in when they were chilly — the fabric is now widely desired for its minimal environmental impact, temperature-regulating qualities, and magic-like ability to help regulate heart rate. Whether worn as a sweater or slippers or as a weighted blanket for bedtime, wool introduces some much-needed comfort in times of high stress.
Breathe in the forest. Lithuania is a densely-forested country — around 33% of its surface area is covered by woods — that has a deep-standing connection with nature, traced back to the country’s pagan roots. A stroll in the lush, emerald groves filled with pinetrees, birches, oaks, and alders offers fresh air and invigorating smells. Luckily, this sensation now conveniently exists in a bottled format as essential oils. Essential oils of pine, spruce, fir, vetiver, and thyme are often used in aromatherapy blends. Not only do they take users back to the conifer-scented densities of the forest, but they also relieve tension and anxiety, help us to relax, and are particularly suitable for burnout and lack of energy.
Those burdened by the gloomy midwinter need not look further than the careful-crafted and traditional goods made from natural Lithuanian ingredients. Better yet, is visiting the country and experiencing its benefits first-hand, especially now, during the Post-holiday slump? Treat the blues in Lithuania campaign encourages people to let fatigue melt away by taking a spa cation in the country.
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Lithuania Travel is a national tourism development agency responsible for Lithuania’s tourism marketing and promotion, acting under the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Its strategic goal—is to raise awareness of Lithuania as an attractive tourism destination and to encourage inbound and domestic travel. The agency closely collaborates with tourism businesses and organizations and presents Lithuanian tourism products, services, and experiences on social and digital media, press trips, in international travel exhibitions, and B2B events.