By Cecilia Toro
Busy schedules mean we often forget ‘me-time.’ We find when we let those little moments slip away it may be more difficult to set aside time for them at all. Next time you feel ‘me-time’ is much needed, why not try a quick meditation session? Accompanied by some incense or essentials oils, these meditations can be absolutely wonderful for releasing tensions and soothing our stress or anxiety.
From boosting our immune systems to uplifting us, scents can do loads of good. After a while, you’ll start noticing the difference in your mood. That’s kind of totally why we love aromatherapy, and we want to tell you a little bit about it.
When we use essential oils, we can connect with our five senses which in turn help us connect with our bodies and be mindful of the space we’re in. According to several sources, some of aromatherapy’s more well-known benefits are tied to reducing pain, fatigue, body aches, menstrual cramps, anxiety, and depression.
We often incorporate aromatherapy into our days when in a vulnerable state, using these oils to ease our minds and soothe our bodies. It’s an incredibly empowering and relaxing experience, as these scents and oils tap into several of our senses at once and start working immediately.
Aromatherapy can be an accessible and easy way of achieving this as you get to make your own unique combinations.
If you’re curious about how you can incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routines, there are so many options for you to pick from. Based on the most popular oils (and ones I’ve actually used myself and have worked wonders), here are a few ideas:
Stress and anxiety
We find that, for both acute stress and intense anxiety, the options that have worked best are two: either using these oils as creams or diluting and blending them to make a roll-on oil. Keeping tons of 2 oz glass containers and bottles so as to make your own mixes not only helps reduce waste but also helps you keep track of what oil blends work best for you. Two birds, one stone!
Sleep
Lavender and chamomile are our go-to’s when we’re feeling a bit restless. The smell is just so lovely.
Put 5-6 drops of either lavender or chamomile oil into a diffuser and leave it on before or as you sleep. Likewise, lavender specifically is best for helping nagging thoughts disappear at night. Some recommend putting a few drops on your pillowcase to smell it directly.
Sidenote: We know tea isn’t exactly aromatherapy, but lavender and chamomile tea tastes and smells delicious, plus it really does help before going to bed!
Concentration
These oils are perfect for direct inhalation or to use in a diffuser. They’re both meant to ground you and help you concentrate.
If you’re feeling a bit unproductive, usually giving these two oils a whiff before doing anything really helps. This depends as well on the amount of work you have. If you need to focus for a few hours, usually putting a few drops in the diffuser and leaving it on throughout helps in productivity.
Pain
Moxibustion, or MOXA, is a kind of heat therapy used for muscle and menstrual pain. It works by burning the moxa leaf on the part of your body that aches or feels tense. The heat released is meant “to warm areas of the body with the intention of stimulating circulation and lymphatic flow.” The scent and warmth released by the moxa leaf are very calming.
For headaches or migraines, eucalyptus or basil oil are two very good options. You can dilute these and place them on your temples or wrists to get the scent quickly.
Colds/Flu
For when you’re feeling a bit stuffy or under the weather, the best way to feel decongested is to do steam inhalation with just two to three drops of eucalyptus. You can combine ginger and tea tree in the mix as well (a drop of each). All three of these combined have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for when you’re sick or have some mild respiratory conditions.
We find ways to destress that are never short of creativity and aromatherapy is perfect for exploring that side of you. Give aromatherapy a try and see if it works for you as it has for me and many others.
Cecilia Toro
Recent MA graduate from Durham Uni, focuses on contemporary issues and writes about literature, film, and art. Lover of podcasts, coffee, and gardening.
