This month is Stress Awareness Month which aims to increase public awareness about stress, its causes, the negative impacts it has on one’s mind and body as well as provide tips on how to relieve it. Each and everyone of us will likely face stress at some point in their lives. However, too much of it can be detrimental to a person’s physiological and psychological wellbeing and can possibly lead to chronic and mental illness such as depression.
A healthy lifestyle is essential for a balanced mind and body. This includes eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking enough water (we recommend two litres a day), and exercising on a regular basis. Taking time to relax every now and then is also just as important. It can be as little as going for a walk, reading a book or phoning a friend for a weekly catch up.
If you feel you need that extra boost, massage is a great stress reliever. Essential oils will also help to relax and calm the mind and body. The three oil blends that I would recommend for stress relief are:
Lemon, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang oil (with Grapeseed oil)
This blend is particularly good for those who suffer with hypertension. Lemon oil helps to boost the body’s immunity and also relieve respiratory infections such as the flu or throat infections which may have resulted from stress. Chamomile and ylang ylang oil have an overall calming effect on the mind and body. Like lemon oil, ylang ylang also helps to reduce high blood pressure.
Orange, Rosemary and Patchouli oil (with Grapeseed oil)
I highly recommend this blend for those who suffer with depression. Orange oil is a warming, radiant oil which can boost the body’s immunity weakened by stress. It is also an antidepressant and helps to relax the body and bring warmth to the mind. When we are stressed our concentration decreases and we become more forgetful, however, rosemary oil will help to clear the mind and improve memory. Patchouli oil has a balancing effect on the body, and like orange oil, can help fight stress related illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Eucalyptus, Lavender and Frankincense oil (with Grapeseed oil)
Eucalyptus oil is one of my favourites to use because it has so many therapeutic properties. It has a calming effect on the mind and body, can help to boost the immunity and can also help with muscle pain and tension (symptoms of stress). Similarly, Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, helps to relieve tension, headaches, migraines and insomnia and is good with treating symptoms of depression. Frankincense oil is very calming and can help treat symptoms of anxiety. It is also particularly good at slowing down breathing and can be used for meditation.
These oil blends are just a few of the many essential oils that can help with your overall wellbeing. At Moreton Place Beauty & Wellbeing, following a consultation I will choose the appropriate oils based on your individual needs.
You may wish to use aromatherapy as a treatment to help improve symptoms solely associated with relieving stress or you may want assistance with improving other conditions too. The great thing about aromatherapy is that essential oils have many therapeutic benefits which can provide relief from multiple physical and mental conditions. However, to achieve the best possible results with aromatherapy I highly recommend booking a course of four treatments.
I look forward to seeing you soon for your aromatherapy treatment.
– Rebecca, Aromatherapist at Moreton Place Beauty & Wellbeing
* If you are under medical supervision, pregnant or breast feeding consult your doctor before using essential oils at home.