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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Gemma Cairney

Time to breathe easy and relax

Deep breath: open your lungs with the wonderful scent of eucalyptus.
Deep breath: open your lungs with the wonderful scent of eucalyptus. Photograph: Getty Images

I’m on my second day out of surgery after having a grapefruit-sized fibroid removed from my stomach under general anaesthetic. I’m feeling part relieved, as it’s something I’ve wanted to do for years, but bewildered, too. I’ve got to take it easy, do everything slowly during my recovery – but I’m not used to doing things slowly.

I went for the gentlest sea swim just now, moving my feet in the water like a tired frog. At times like these, I revert right back to my life-affirming comforts and, if you read this column regularly, you’ll know that I’m obsessed with flower power and the benefits of aromatherapy.

As this week I cannot think about putting on any make-up to cheer me up, I’ll reach for my go-to remedy: the eucalyptus oil-based Breathe Easy Blend, which I’ll optimistically rub across my chest to remember to breathe meditatively.

I’ll plop a little bit into a tissue and sniff it to remind myself that everything’s OK. This formula is mixed with bark oil and peppermint, and it’s under a fiver. Perfect to have in my pocket as I slowly mooch myself from A to B.

Breathe Easy Blend, £3.50 (on sale, usually £4.50), naturesbest.co.uk

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