Reduce Stress with Essential Oils
Life is stressful.
Too much stress leads to poor health and damaged relationships. And being ill and feeling alone leads to more stress.
But you can interrupt this cycle.
Learn how to reduce stress with essential oils.
How to Start Using Essential Oils to Lower Stress and Anxiety
The simplest way to begin using essential oils is to open a bottle and take a deep breath.
Scents like lavender and bergamot are scientifically proven to reduce stress (1).
Just smelling them is enough to encourage relaxation.
If you dilute the oils, you can put them on your body.
Grab a bottle of unscented lotion or olive oil, pour out one teaspoon of that, then mix in two drops of essential oil. Now it’s safe to rub into your skin.
Combining essential oils with a carrier oil lets you enjoy the fragrance for longer. It also protects your skin from irritation.
Also, some oils, like lavender, reduce inflammation, fight infection, and alleviate pain.
Diffuse a Calming Essential Oil Blend
You can enjoy a relaxing essential oil blend for longer if you diffuse it.
Ultrasonic and nebulizing diffusers are an inexpensive way to set the mood in your home or your car.
The former has a water tank similar to a humidifier. Just add four or five drops of pure essential oil, and you’ll have hours of aroma.
Meanwhile, the latter has a glass reservoir where you can deposit five to ten drops of oil without the need for water. Then it disperses concentrated essential oil.
Portable diffusers made for cars sometimes use a miniature fan to spread the fragrance.
Take a look at the articles I’ve linked to in order to understand which type of diffuser best fits your needs.
Which Essential Oils Are Best for Stress and Anxiety?
There are at least a dozen essential oils I can recommend for stress and anxiety.
Here’s a list of essential oils for relaxation:
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Roman chamomile
- Clary Sage
- Frankincense
- Rose
- Ylang Ylang
- Jasmine
- Vetiver
- Sweet orange
- Lemon
- Geranium
The best part is that you don’t have to use them by themselves. When you make blends of different oils, you maximize their effects.
For example, here’s a recipe to diffuse before bedtime.
Recipe for Unwinding Before Bed
Place five drops of chamomile, two drops of lavender, and two drops of sweet orange into your diffuser.
Take slow, deep breaths of the fragrance, dim the lights, and picture something that calms you.
All that stress can wait until tomorrow.
Your job is to have some peace for the next few hours.
Where to Buy Essential Oils for Stress and Sleep?
You may feel a little anxious trying to decide which essential oils you need, the brands you can trust, and the best prices.
There’s no need to sign up with a multi-level marketing company or spend a lot of money.
I’ve done some research that can help you make informed choices. Check out reviews of the best essential oil brands.
Along with that, getting an essential oil starter kit is a cost-effective way to get started.
Are There Essential Oils That Can Treat Depression?
Essential oils are a complementary therapy, not a cure.
I wish aromatherapy were enough to heal someone from depression and anxiety completely.
On the bright side, essential oils can help lower your blood pressure, lift your mood, and boost your immune system.
In other words, they take the edge off acute and long-term stress.
You may need a little trial and error to find the oils that help you relax the most. If you already know that you prefer floral over woody, or fruity to earthy scents, you’re a step ahead.
Use the essential oils that make you feel good.
What about Essential Oils for Anger?
I think you’ll find that many of the essential oils that aid relaxation also help you deal with anger.
If anger is a frequent occurrence in your day-to-day life, oils alone won’t solve the problem.
But you may discover that diffusing lavender and lemon while you drive through rush hour traffic helps you keep your cool.
Conclusion
Besides aromatherapy, what else do you use to reduce your stress and anxiety?
If you feel comfortable sharing, leave a comment below.
In the meantime, breathe deeply and enjoy the aroma of your favorite essential oils.
Resources:
1 https://www.huffpost.com/entry/6-aromatherapy-essential_n_9805630 by Marlynn Wei, MD, JD, published 29 April 2016, accessed 07 June 2019