“I can’t do more than this” and “I don’t know how long I can keep this up” are phrases we hear far too often these days.
We’re caught up in our busy lives. We’re operating at a pace that is perhaps beyond what we can handle. We’re stressed and we’re suffering because of it. We have a lot of options for decompressing and letting go and many new technologies that help us be mindful and present. Just keeping up with all the de-stressing strategies can be stressful when you’re not sure what works.
It’s interesting to think that our culture enforces an association between stress and being driven for success. We’re taught that stress comes with the territory if we want to achieve our goals. How are we to navigate this conflict of ideas while living our best lives?
So, how can essential oils help us achieve calm?
We can diffuse essential oils with the mindset of purposefully infusing calm into our lives. Essential oils are powerful agents that can remind us to slow down, enjoy, and be calm. As the aroma of essential oils fill our airspace, the limbic system is engaged – that’s the part of our brain that controls our emotions and moods. So, smelling rose essential oil, for example, really can make the world seem more joyful. The aroma and its associations trigger our brains to tap into a sense of peace and happiness.
Several essential oils can support calm in this way. For beginners, lavender is always an excellent choice for peace and for soothing, but there are more than a few to learn about and know. The list below represent aromas used to help ease the effects of the day.
- Lavender – Known for relaxation, lavender essential oil contains esters, which help with the calm effect. The body responds to the aroma and is able to relax.
- Vetiver – Deep and earthy, this grounding oil is a powerhouse for relaxation and rest. Diffuse vetiver with a citrus oil to lighten the aroma and create a balance between happiness and calm.
- Ylang Ylang – this potent floral is an effective essential oil for bedtime. Known for being ultra-calming and relaxing, ylang ylang is an excellent choice for diffusors.
- Grapefruit - mildly sweet and bright, this citrus oil can bring a happy and soothing contribution to calm. Known for its use in relaxation combinations, grapefruit blends well with the other oils in this list.
- Lemongrass - grassy, fresh and citrus notes come together for the balancing aroma of lemongrass. Diffuse lemongrass with lavender for worry free ambiance.
Authored by: Charlynn Avery - Aura Cacia Aromatherapist & Sr. Wellness Education Manager and Wellness Lifestyle Enthusiast
Aura Cacia’s Noteworthy site while it was in existence. The name “Noteworthy” was inspired by the three aroma notes – top, middle and base – found in essential oils. When these three notes come together they create a beautiful, balanced synergy. Noteworthy was full of contributions by real women aspiring to create a beautiful, balanced synergy in their own lives – and the lives of others. We are pleased we could continue to share this post to our aromatherapy community.
