In today’s society we are incessantly on the go and we rarely have a chance to take a mindful minute to reboot and sometimes our brains just can’t shut off from all of the responsibilities that come with being an adult. The more we think the more we worry and the more we worry the more we think. At times I have thought… what am I even worrying about?
Stress is a normal reaction to exciting events like falling in love, getting a new job, or buying a home. Stress is also a hardwired survival technique built into your body as a means of protection. When triggers arise, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) signals the “ flight or fight response,” which mobilizes you to take action and avoid danger.
The issue is that your body doesn’t know the difference between a bear chasing you and work/life related anxiety. Whether the stress is real or imagined, it is real to you and this can cause our sympathetic nervous system to be working in overdrive.
Chronic stress can be toxic and can contribute to high blood pressure, anxiety and depression, obesity, sleeplessness and overall brain fog.
The parasympathetic nervous system is the opposite of the fight or flight response. The response here is known as the “rest and digest” phase. Unfortunately in today’s society we rarely get to that phase.
It may not seem like much but when I feel like the walls are closing in from the surrounding stress the first thing I do is try to sit quietly and breathe. What helps me really focus is using my diffuser with some therapeutic grade essential oils. There are five main benefits I get from some daily aromatherapy with my diffusor. Therapeutic grade essential oils are sourced from raw plant material like flowers, seeds, leaves and more with the purpose of enhancing one’s well-being.
- Congestion / Sore Throat / Sinus Infections - peppermint, echinacea and eucalyptus are the most popular to help with these symptoms. They have natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
- Stress / Anxiety / Mood Swings / Fatigue / Headaches - lavender is one of the more popular essential oils and has a calming, sedating effect on the body.
- Low or High Blood Pressure / Poor Circulation - eucalyptus helps promote circulation by helping relax the blood vessels in the body. Ginger aids with this with its high anti-inflammatory properties.
- Poor Digestion / Nausea - both ginger and peppermint have elements that help with both digestion and nausea.
- Weak Immunity / Low Energy / Aches & Pains / Muscle Tension / Inflammation - lemon essence can be very detoxifying and helps to cleanse your body which helps with inflammation. Like other citrus based essential oils, it has also been shown to boost mood and uplift spirits. Marjoram oil can help relax muscles spasms and ease pain.
Since inhalation is one of the best ways to benefit from essential oils, I prefer to use a diffusor. Essential oils are incredibly concentrated so by just using a few drops of the essential oil mixed with water and the diffusor sends out a vapor through the air. The integrity of the oil is maintained when the oil is not heated and the essence of the oil is permeated through my home.
Given the proper time and dedication our bodies can start to heal themselves, particularly when our minds are calm and we have serenity in our souls.