Essential Oils can help you to find balance when you are feeling stressed, anxious or don’t know how to deal with everything that is going on in your life.
Aromatherapy is a powerful tool to balance your mind, body and spirit. There is actually a nerve (the olfactory nerve) that starts in your nose and connects directly to your brain. This nerves sends signals to the limbic system and the amygdala which are in charge of your emotions and mood. That is why scent can quickly trigger a physical reaction in our body and makes us feel better immediately. You probably experienced this connection when you smell something which reminds you instantly about something in the past.
Here are my 6 favorite essential oils to deal with stress and and example on how you can use them.
Lavender Essential Oil
Builds solidarity and strength
Lavender essential oil is one of the most know oils for relaxation. It calms the nervous system, helps to lower blood pressure and heart rate and can influence your brain waves that you feel more relaxed.
How to use it:
Rub 2-3 drops in your palms and rub them together. Hold them a few inches in front of your face and take a deep breath. You will feel instant relaxation.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Boosts energy and stimulates body & mind
Eucalyptus essential oil has a strong minty aroma and is great for cooling. It works wonders when you deal with a cold or are congested. It also gives you energy when you feel mentally exhausted.
How to use it:
Add a few drops in your shower. If you find fresh eucalyptus (they often have it in the flower department at Whole Foods) hang it on your shower head while taking a shower. You will feel refreshed instantly.
Rose Essential Oil
Stimulates the mind and promotes tranquility
Rose essential oil has a comforting slightly sweet smell and helps with all stress related issues, It is actually th essential oil with the highest vibrational frequency at 320 MHz. That’s why it is great for depression and will boost your self-esteem and makes you feel happy.
How to use it:
Put 1-2 drops on your wrist and rub them together. Smell on your wrists every time you need a spark of joy.
Jasmine Essential Oil
Calms the nervous system
Jasmine essential oil is the Valium of essential oils. It calms the nerves and can help to overcome stress. Jasmine also stimulates the mind and helps you to feel more confident and optimistic. In addition it is used for depression, anxiety and insomnia.
How to use it:
Fill a bottle with distilled water and add a few drops of jasmine oil. Shake and spray it in your room to feel calmer.
Cedarwood Essential Oil
Calms the mind and releases tension
Cedarwood essential oil promotes the release of serotonin which helps to stabilize moods. As serotonin is converted to melatonin it also calms you down and helps with sleep problems.
How to us it:
Rub 1 drop on your temples to feel calmer and release stress and tension
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Clarifies and refreshes your mind
Grapefruit essential oil is great for stressful situations as it has incredible uplifting effects. It alleviates mental fatigue and helps with depression and stress induced headaches
How to use it:
Add 3 drops of grapefruit, 1 drop of jasmine and 1 drop of ylang ylang essential oil to 4 tablespoons carrier oil (for example coconut or grapeseed oil) and use it as massage oil after a stressful day.
