STRESS
We all hear about the effects stress has on our bodies. To better understand how we can manage stress using essential oils. Let’s look at what stress is and how our bodies react to it. Stress is a reaction the body has to a stimulus, such as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism. Stress can result from many things, both physical and psychological.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS
Having to meet deadlines at work, problems with loved ones, and paying bills are obvious sources of stress for many people. Less obvious sources include daily encounters with noise, traffic, and extreme weather. Overwork, lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking are common physical factors that stress the body. Stress can cause fatigue, chronic headaches, irritability, changes in appetite, tooth grinding, high blood pressure, shallow breathing, nervous twitches, lowered sexual drive, insomnia or changes in sleep patterns, and or digestive problems.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
. Some essential oils can help bring you into a meditative state.
. Massaging with essential oils at night can release stress.
. You can use an essential oil diffuser in your home or office.
. Lighting a candle made with relaxing essential oils can set a calm mood.
. Taking deep breaths has been shown to lower stress in the body.
SCENT
One of the senses that you can use to help you manage stress is your sense of smell. Whether you are using essential oils, candles, incense, or bathing with essential oils, you are using your sense of smell. Whatever you smell can cause you to get hungry, sick, happy, sad, or relaxed. Sometimes it is not the smell of a scent but what we have associated it with. If you smell roses, that might trigger a memory, and as a result, it might make you feel happy, excited or sad, and nostalgic. Do not underestimate the power of scent.
. Test out essential oil to see which ones you like.
. Some essential oils can cause irritation if not blended with carrier oil.
. There are many brands of essential oils. Look for a therapeutic-grade essential oil.
. Opt for organic essential oil brands when possible.
. You can easily find hand soap, body wash, and laundry detergent made with essential oils.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy involves using pure essential oils made from plants. There are many ways you can include aromatherapy in your daily routine. You can get a massage with an essential oil blend. The most popular essential oil used to help with stress is Lavender. I always have some on hand. True Lavender Lavandula Angustifolia has a light floral scent. It is soothing, sedative, calming, relaxing, balancing, and appeasing. Lavender is helpful for depression, headaches, hypertension, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress. Some of the less-known oils that can help you control stress are Sweet Marjoram, Sandalwood, and Roman Chamomile. I will cover Aromatherapy in a different post, as there is much more information than I can share here.
Aromatherapy is one of the easiest natural alternative methods to use every day to help you manage stress. The effect each individual essential oil has on the body is very different depending on the scent. On a stress-filled day, I use a blend of lavender and marjoram essential oil diluted in almond oil and rub the soles of my feet. I also soak in the tub with Epsom salt and 3 to 4 drops of lavender and marjoram essential oil. Sprinkling two drops of lavender oil on your bed sheets and one on your pillow can help you fall asleep easier and faster. Next time you are having difficulty releasing the stress of the day. Try this simple but effective method. In part 2, I will show you how your sense of hearing and sight can help you manage stress.
