As the holiday season approaches, stress levels begin to rise with the hustle and bustle and we feel a need for balance and peace in our lives. One way to promote self-care is incorporating essential oils into your daily routine. Historically, these oils have been used for their various therapeutic benefits, including stress relief and supporting the immune system. Here are our favorite ways to use essential oils during this season.
Stress Relief
Essential oils can be used to bring in positive emotions, diffuse stress, and calm nerves. Use them in diffusers, sprays, apply to the skin with a carrier oil, or apply to lava bead bracelets. Bergamot, Lavender, Cedarwood, and Clary Sage are oils that support our emotions, relieve anxious feelings, and help us get restful sleep.
Bath Soaks
Salts, such as Himalayan Sea Salt and Epsom salt, help detox, remove stagnant energy, and relax your body and mind. The most effective way to incorporate these minerals is using them during a bath. Combining the salts with essential oils can be energetically cleansing as well. A warm bath soak can help detox from overindulgence, promote restful sleep, or support the body if recovering from an illness.
Immune Support
Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and citrus oils, such as Sweet Orange and Lemon, are natural antimicrobials, antibacterials, and promote immune support. Use these protective oils in a room diffuser or spray during cold and flu season, to maintain a healthy immune system or when recovering from an illness.
Improve Mood
The shortened daylight hours and cloudy days of winter can make us feel unmotivated and dampen our spirits. Peppermint, Lemon, and Sweet Orange are some oils that naturally invoke positivity, hope, and joy. They also deodorize and freshen our space. Diffusing or applying these oils to our skin with a carrier oil in the morning can set the tone for an uplifting day ahead. Take care with citrus oils as they are phototoxic and can burn the skin when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
Grounding
If you're experiencing feelings of hopelessness, nervousness, or fear, grounding may help to center and balance your emotions. Grounding may also decrease your cortisol levels which can positively affect your body, mind, and spirit. Some oils that offer us strength and connect us to Mother Earth are Fir Needle, Cedarwood, and our Three Feathers Apothecary blends such as Rooted and Winter. They can be diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the bottom of your feet before bedtime for deep, restful sleep.
