In our daily lives, we come face-to-face with a lot of things which leave us stressed and frustrated. As much as we may try to be happy, being emotional creatures means that we have to experience those not-so-pleasant feelings every once in a while.
Once these feelings make their way into our hearts, they cling to us until we are unable to see past them. In this way, a build-up of such emotions can cause stress, which can, in turn, cause both mental and physical discomforts.
Though this is something that comes and goes as time passes, it still needs proper attention and care. Even if stress and anxiety have become familiar companions in your days, ignoring them will do you no good.
Fortunately, there are many ways in which you can retrieve your comfort once again. Along with certain natural methods to relieve your mind, there are also certain natural products which can be used. One category of such products is essential oils for stress and anxiety.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated extracts which have been taken from certain plants, from parts such as the stem, roots, leaves, flowers or fruits. These retain a strong smell and flavor of the parent plant, containing many beneficial properties. They have a variety of purposes, such as being used in aromatherapy, being used as natural fragrances and even as a natural alternative to man-made mosquito repellents.
Through aromatherapy, essential oils help in relaxing the body, which in turn creates a comfortable atmosphere for the mind. Through this, they create a soft and easy mood in which one can seek a safe haven after a busy day. Plus, they also smell really, really good! Thus, essential oils for anxiety and stress may just be the solution you are looking for.
Best Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety
Now that you know all the basics of essential oils, let’s just right into this list of 5 essential oils for anxiety and stress:
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is amongst the best essential oils used in aromatherapy because it is known to have calming effects on the mind and body. Research has shown that lavender oil helps people perform better after being exposed to a stressor.
Lavender oil can be found in a variety of products such as bath salts and massage oils. You can also directly add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathwater, along with a carrier oil or an unscented bath gel.
Thus, you can choose your way to use lavender oil, depending on the kind of relaxing atmosphere you want to go for.
2. Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine oil has a beautiful floral scent that fills your senses and brings about a sense of well-being. The aroma of jasmine oil castes a soft and romantic mood around you, soothing all those niggling worries inside your mind.
It surrounds you with its delicate fragrance, till you are far away from the real world with its ongoing troubles. Instead, you are transported to the realm of comfort and safety.
Jasmine oil is one of the best essential oils for anxiety because it seems to calm the nervous system without making you sleepy. You can use jasmine oil by inhaling the scent directly from its bottle or by allowing it to fill the room with the help of an aromatherapy diffuser.
Jasmine Essential Oil
3. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is usually extracted from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has a sweet, musky fragrance which can ease stress and bring relief to your mind. Though research regarding its exact effects is still limited, you can use it along with other essential oils such as rose or lavender can help your body calm down.
A 2008 study showed how a combination of frankincense, bergamot and lavender extracts helped in improving pain, depression and anxiety in terminal cancer patients.
You can use frankincense oil by adding it to a diffuser or massaging a diluted version of it on your hands and feet for a more direct approach.
4. Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil has a signature citrusy scent as it is usually extracted from bergamot oranges. Studies suggest that this oil can improve mood, lower stress hormone levels, reduce negative feelings and promote a feeling of relaxation.
Bergamot oil can be irritating for the skin and can cause contact dermatitis in certain people, while also making the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, leading to blisters, redness, etc. Thus, it should be applied sparingly, combined with a carrier oil such as avocado, sweet almond or jojoba oil. This can also be added to the bath so you can let loose after a long, tiring day.
You can also use bergamot oil by putting one or two drops on a tissue paper or handkerchief and sniff its relaxing fragrance throughout the day.
5. Yuzu Essential Oil
Yuzu essential oil, extracted from the peel of the yuzu fruit, has been used in Japanese culture for many, many years. It is known for its therapeutic properties, released through its citrusy fragrance, can suppress the fight or flight response of the body, bringing about a sense of calmness.
Thus, it has been found capable of reducing stress and negative emotions. In one study, it was shown to have reduced the anxiety levels of mothers caring for sick children in a pediatric clinic.
You can use it by inhaling its scent, which in turn promotes relaxation in your body.
Managing a Stress-Free Lifestyle
Ultimately, the key to enjoying a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle goes way beyond just knowing all the essential oils for stress. That is only one small part of the entire journey because consistent self-care is needed to have peace of mind.
You need to learn how to take a break and indulge in some relaxation amidst your tight schedule. Neglecting the needs of your mind will only bring more discomfort. Instead, try to understand what your emotions are trying to tell you and soothe that persistent anxiety.
Remember that as important as work is, everyone needs rest to do their best. Thus, even as you put in all your efforts, save some of them to comfort your mind, body and soul, as well.
Also read- Rosemary Essential Oil
