Manage stress with Aromatherapy

Stress, now considered a normal part of life, can be a positive experience creating excitement, increased energy, clarity of thought and creativity. Stress refers to the tension and pressure from the conflict between the external environment and yourself. Stress is the result of our physical and psychological reactions to changes in our environment. Stress affects the body, lowers the immune system. It affects performance in the workplace, effectiveness as a parent and also affects relationships. There are many different ways that people employ to deal with stress.

Aromatherapy is a technique that uses the body’s sense of smell to help boost your mood, alleviate stress, energize and promote superior health. Aromatherapy using scents of essential oils to improve our health and well-being can be a simple, useful method to manage stress. Aromatherapy uses plant extracts to promote and restore overall wellness for your mind and body, and is more than just pleasant smells from essential oils and oil blends. Aromatherapy can assist with stress management by a direct link to the limbic and autonomic system. The hypothalamus is the major control center of the autonomic nervous system.

The inhalation of certain aromatherapy oils such as lavender oil has been shown by research to have immediate natural stress-relieving effects which can aid with stress busting work stress in our modern lives. Lavender essential oil is very soothing, calming, and relaxing. One drop placed on or near our pillow at night can improve sleep and may alleviate insomnia. Chamomile essential oil can also promote a good night's rest. Placing three or four drops in our bathwater before we go to bed can promote sleep and calm our nerves. Peppermint essential oil can improve our clarity of mind and our wakefulness.

Lemon essential oil increases the accuracy of people's work when the fragrance is diffused through their office. Grapefruit and tangerine essential oil can make us feel more wonderful and hopeful. Grapefruit essential oil can also promote wakefulness in people suffering from jetlag. Another essential oil that is helpful for people who get depressed easily is rosemary. This can also help improve retention of information and improve people's test taking abilities. Aromatherapy massage is also an integral part of a stress management program. Aromatherapy has been proven to be excellent for stress relief as well as increasing productivity and efficiency levels.