We are all living in challenging and unprecedented times now. Many of us have had our lives changed overnight and we find ourselves in new roles. All of us at some level will feel this mentally and physically. The stress can then build up in many ways in our bodies.
Responding to stress is something people naturally do to help regulate the body—but staying in a constant state of stress will eventually have negative health effects. Cortisol, also called the stress hormone, is part of the body's natural response to stress, but when released at high levels, or when is it not allowed to disperse due to chronic stress and may impact our overall quality of life.
Aromatherapy is a gentle therapy that can trigger the relaxation response, necessary for self-care. The relaxation response can be triggered by doing something you like, such as deep breathing, walking, and self-massage. Triggering the relaxation response has many health benefits, including healthy cortisol levels and decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, improved digestion, and normalised blood sugar levels.
That is why it is important to make time for yourself every day, even if that means stolen moments here and there.
The use of essential oils can provide a harmonious and clam space for you to stop, contemplate and focus. Aromatherapy is often used to lift our moods. The effects of certain essential oils can have a positive affect on our nervous system.
Essential oils can be used within your home in a diffuser, in the bath, skincare, massage and first aid. Diluted and used with safe dilution they can be a wonderful addition to your daily routine. The following oils can lift us when we are feeling low or feeling anxious. They can gently provide the lift we need through the day. The following oils are a lovely choice to look at.
Mood Lifting Essential Oils.
Cypress has a woody yet sweet aroma and is often referred to as a warming and uplifting essential oil. It is a beautiful choice when we need some comfort.
Neroli is extracted from the blossom of the bitter orange tree and is widely used to calm and refresh an anxious mind.
Rose is widely known for its beauty as a plant and it does not disappoint with its floral aroma. This refreshing essential oil supports wellbeing with its calming and uplifting properties.
Sweet orange is extracted from the peel of the orange and has a refreshing and uplifting aroma that can energise the mind and lift the spirits.
Ylang ylang is an uplifting floral aroma that can nourish our wellbeing through its calming properties.
A perfect relaxing bath
Whether you are looking for a relaxing evening blend or need something to ease sore muscles or even something to rid you of the worries of the day, essential oils can be very therapeutic. Soaking in the bath can be relaxing, calming and time for yourself.
The huge variety of essential oils means that you can include essential oils into your bath in many ways. Add a blend to some bath salts to detox or add to an SLS free unperfumed bubble bath for a super soak or for a truly indulgent skin loving bath combine your essential oil blend with some moisturising oats wrapped in a muslin cloth.
Recipe
Aromatherapy Bath Salts with Frankincense, Lavender and Rose Petals.
Take a cup of Epsom Salts, Pink Himalayan Salts or Dead Sea Salts and add 4 drops of Frankincense Essential oil and 3 of lavender oil. Mix in some rose petals and add to a warm bath. Lie and relax for 20 minutes. Feel tranquil by placing some candles within your space.
Salts are detoxifying. Allow some time after your bath to relax and hydrate yourself with water.
If you do not have a bath, maybe create a foot spa, and enjoy the essential oils this way. It is equally relaxing to soak our feet.
Using essential oils as part of our skincare ritual can also benefit or mind as well as our skin.
After your bath, massage your face with a blend one or two drops Rose or Neroli into a base or Apricot Oil. This will lock moisture into the skin, nurturing the and comforting the skin, whilst soothing the mind.
These simple rituals can support our wellbeing and allow for that much needed space.
Kelly Horne is an Aromatherapist in West Sussex. She runs a successful practice Revive Therapy and creates be-spoke blends for all your needs. She also co- runs a Complementary Therapy School, Sussex School of Natural Therapies and teaches to Diploma Level.
www.revivetherapist.com
www.sussexschoolofnaturaltherapies.co.uk