Stress, don’t you wish you had less of it? Do you find it difficult to cope with life’s challenges, such as earning a living in a competitive work environment, caring for hyperactive, stubborn little ones, or maintaining an almost non-existent social life? These things can take a toll on the body and cause undue stress and anxiety.
Stress is a natural occurrence of life, but can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, headaches, and other ailments if left unchecked. Using essential oils is a great way to unwind and relax, without stuffing your body with anti-stress and anti-anxiety medications. These are a safe haven to run to in times of distress, and because their aromas vary, you get to choose what you like.
Essential Oils for Stress
Essential oils are great mood-enhancers, because they wield a potent psychological effect on the body. The limbic system (a major player in controlling your memory and emotions) is affected when an essential oil is inhaled. This system then releases hormones and chemicals that influence your stress levels.
A study conducted using ylang ylang, lavender, and bergamot showed a reduction in cortisol levels in the body, after being inhaled. A reduction in cortisol levels showed decreased heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and stress. The calming and relaxing nature of these oils put your body at ease, allowing you to deal with stressful situations as they arise.
In addition, clary sage oil (combined with lavender) combatted the negative effects of work-related chronic stress in an intensive care unit, according to a study.
Sweet marjoram, lemon, valerian, Roman chamomile, and sandalwood are also recommended oils for stress relief, as they reduce excitability and leave you calm.
Patchouli combined with other essential oils when inhaled, may exert sedative, calming effects to keep you grounded and collected during periods of unrest and tension.
Additional oils to include on your ‘must-haves’ list to combat stress are Frankincense, Cedarwood, French Lavender, Copaiba, and Sandalwood essential oils.
Essential Oil Blends for Stress Just for You
If you’re looking for deep relaxation and calm, why not try our ready-made, stress-dispelling blends? Here are your options:
- “Stress Ease” Essential Oil Blend:
Our “Stress Ease” blend infuses your body with calm and serenity. It combines the therapeutic benefits of true lavender, clary sage, patchouli, clove, and vetiver. Why worry when you can whip open a bottle of our “Stress Ease” blend and embrace peace of mind?
- “Calm” Essential Oil Blend:
Our “Calm” blend is that encouraging and stress-relieving friend to run to when life’s challenges knocks you down. Are you feeling overwhelmed of late? Confused and frustrated, perhaps? The gentle touch of our “Calm” blend is just what you need to perk you up, realign your perspective, and rise above a stressful situation.
Stress saps one’s energy, but with a blend of ylang ylang, bergamot, rosewood, and lavender oil, your body is reinvigorated to take on the world. If you prefer a more floral-scented blend, this is the ideal alternative to our “Stress Ease” mixture.
How to use Essential Oils for Stress
Using essential oils for stress is seamless. There are different methods of administration, so choose what you deem fit for you.
Massage: Relieve stress by combining 4 drops of lavender with 2 drops of clary sage in a 10ml roller bottle. Fill the roller bottle with a carrier oil. Be treated by your partner to a sensual, relaxing massage, or do it on your own. This is ideal for relieving tension in the muscles caused by stress.
Diffuser: Add 8 drops of our “Stress Ease” or “Calm” blend (depending on your preferred scent) to your diffuser and relax. An alternative is to add 3 drops of lavender and bergamot each to your diffuser.
Bath: Combine 6 to 8 drops of one of our recommended blends (“Stress Ease” or “Calm”) with 10ml of carrier oil. Mix both ingredients to combine thoroughly. Pour into a warm bath of water. Move your fingers in a back and forth motion to distribute the blend throughout. Get in and enjoy a calming soak. This is a perfect option when you want to unwind and de-stress for a goodnight’s rest. Remember, to manage stress levels is to practice self-care.
Start showing yourself some love by using essential oils to defuse a stressful situation.
