We all deal with the stress of the holidays in different ways. Some people seem to just breeze through it with no problems what so ever. Some of us go from one stress to the next. Still others totally flake out and become total Scrooges and swear all the Holidays off.
Which of this is the best way to deal with the stress? Well frankly I wouldn’t choice any of them. There are other ways to deal, no denial, no stress and no flakes. There are simple things that we can do that will help us get through very stressful times, such as the holidays, a lot easier, and drug free.
Aromatherapy is basically the use of essential oil in an effort to affect mood and promote health. We see why that would help in holiday stress. There are certain aromas that affect our moods. The air freshener companies make lots of money over the holidays with something as simple as pine tree scented spray. This is because the smell of a pine tree brings back pleasant holiday memories for most of us. Christmas trees are artificial in many homes in this day and age, but people are still longing for that “smell” of the holidays. Take a look at the candle section this holiday season. You will find fragrances like Grandma’s spice cookies, Christmas fir, sugar cookies and gingerbread house. These are aimed at the fact that aromas affect us and bring us those warm fuzzy feelings of happiness and good cheer. Why not use this same knowledge to help bring us feelings of calm and well being during the holiday season, instead of stress?
Three essential oils I am going to suggest are Lavender, Chamomile and Sandalwood. These three on their own have wonderful property and uses. What they have in common are they are all great for stress and nerves. All three of these essential oils are great to soothe those frazzled nerves a lot of people have around the holiday season. They are also very common essential oils that can be readily found at most health food stores. And while they may be a bit more expensive than what you are expecting, keep in mind that you only need very little of the essential oils. We are talking drops, so not that much at all.
So now you have my suggestion as to what essential oils will help with holiday stress what do you do with that information. Well there is a world of possibilities that open up now. If you are a soak in the bath type of person, you can add 3-5 drops of the essential oil to your bath water. This is a great idea just before bed. The essential oils will relax you and undo a bit of that stress. This helps you to sleep better. Many experts agree that if you are well rested you are better able to deal with the stresses of life especially during high stress times like the holidays.
You can buy essential oil warmers. Essential Oils are volatile. This simple means that they are easily airborne or evaporated into the air. When you warm them slightly this effect is even more so. You could keep a warmer in your kitchen, dining room, living room or bedroom. Where ever the aroma of the essential oils would help you the most.
For times you are feeling very stressed you may want to just dab a drop of the essential oil on one of your pulse points. Remember though that little is more in aromatherapy. This is called apply it neat. Many perfumes are now going back to natural essential oils for their base scents. And this is in essences what you are doing.
A steam facial is also a wonderful way to help distress. Using a glass or metal bowl, fill it up with warm water and add 3-5 drops of the essential oil. You want to place your face above the hot steamy water and cover with a towel. This is an excellent way for those of you that aren’t soaking in the bath kind of people. You can also do this same thing with a foot bath. A number of people find this very soothing and enjoyable.
Holiday stress may come but once a year, but for a lot of us, ties us up in knots that last way beyond the New Year. There is a way to deal with it naturally. Above all relax. Let the essential oils help you relax. Enjoy your time with family and friends. And remember that soon all the stress will be gone, come January second.