So, to finish this mini-series on stress busting techniques, we’ll look at smell. Aroma is one of those things that most people only use to make the place smell nice. But, this is a mistake because aroma has very powerful effects on the body, effects that have been proven by science over and over again. And, you can choose what effect you’d like to achieve by choosing your scent well. So you can increase your level of relaxation, which would be the main aim of the oils given in this article. But there are other options that will help you when you work or study too and we’ll talk a bit about those as well.
Stress beating oils
The most well known of all the stress-reducing oils is Lavender, which science shows has the following effects:
• slow the activity of the nervous system
• promote relaxation
• ease feelings of stress
• help with concentration.*
However, other oils can produce similar sedative effects, and with correct usage, do so without any negative side-effects. These oils inlcude:
Roman Chamomile Lemon Mandarin Ylang Ylang
Clary Sage Marjoram Neroli Vetiver
Helichrysum Rose Frankincense Cajeput
You could use these oils alone or make up a recipe using two or three that you like. Some oils that blend together beautifully are Rose, Frankincense and Roman Chamomile. You could also blend Neroli, Lemon and Clary Sage.
Some of the above oils can also be used when you are doing some of the other stress busting techniques we’ve featured, such as Breathing Techniques and Progressive Muscle Relaxation. For example frankincense has been revered throughout the centuries as an oil that helps to induce a meditative state – hence its use in religious ceremonies. Clary Sage is also a well know meditative oil.
Other uses of oils
As well as reducing your stress levels you can also use oils to increase your alertness, creativity and concentration, all of which are valuable if you are working or studying. Some oils that can achieve this are:
Basil – concentration, clarity and mental fatigue
Bergamot – concentration, motivation
Cedarwood – improves focus
Cinnamon – provides positivity
Eucalyptus – aids concentration
Rosemary – memory, concentration
How to use the oils
There are many ways essential oils can be used, you can:
• diffuse the aroma using an oil burner, light-bulb ring or radiator diffuser
• sniff the oil straight from the bottle, although this is not recommended as the oil will spoil quickly if it is repeatedly exposed to the air
• put a couple of drops on a piece of cotton wool and sniff it when you feel you need to
• put a drop or two on a piece of paper towel, put the paper towel in a glass and turn the glass upside down. This way you’ll keep the scent molecules trapped in the glass and, when you feel the need, you can simply lift the glass and inhale the scent
However, the method you choose must take into account other people around you. If you intend on diffusing oils at work, you have take into account that others may not like it – some may even be allergic to the oils! So, to avoid any potential upset, it’s best to ask colleagues before you use them.
The Oils
The only caution needed when buying oils is to make sure they are essential oils and not perfumed oils. Perfumed oils are often cheaper and may smell the same as essential oils, but they do not have any therapeutic effect – meaning they do not work in the same way. And, whilst essential oils may appear to be expensive, they are worth it. Plus, the amount you need to use each time is very small, so they’ll last a long time.
So, now you have a whole arsenal of stress-busting techniques. Try them all and choose which ones you like the most. Or, as mentioned earlier, combine more than one. Do let us know how you get on and if you find the techniques helpful and tell us about other techniques you find helpful.
