Relax with Seasonal Scents
While freshly cut pine, spicy cinnamon and the aroma of holiday cookies may be the traditional scents of the season, surrounding yourself with aromatherapeutic fragrances can be a more
an effective way to help you focus and de-stress.
Researchers have found that clary sage, lavender, and rose essential oils reduce anxiety and improve mood. One study of 77 nursing students in Korea found that simply inhaling lavender essential oil, known to increase relaxing alpha waves in the brain, reduced stress and anxiety. Other scents reported having calming properties include bergamot, chamomile, frankincense, geranium, melissa, and sandalwood.
Aromatherapy also can come to the rescue if your holiday to-do list leaves you mentally and physically frazzled. During a clinical trial of 144 volunteers, British researchers found that rosemary essential oil enhanced memory, alertness, and contentment. A whiff of rosemary, lemon or peppermint essential oil also can help you feel more energetic.
There are many different ways aromatherapy can be used to help reduce the stress of the season. An aromatherapy room diffuser can wash an entire room with a calming fragrance. For a more personal aromatherapy experience, adding a bit of essential oil to your bathwater can turn a simple bath into a soothing spa experience. You also can sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow to promote a much-needed restful night’s sleep.
For aromatherapy on the go, try sprinkling a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball or tissue. Stash this portable stress reducer in your purse or pocket for immediate relief in the car, mall or even at a holiday party.
For more on relieving seasonal stress check out the original post at www.motherearthliving.com: Sit Back and Relax: Holiday Stress Management
