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Reducing holiday stress using aromatherapy
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The holiday season is upon us and according to the American Psychological Association this is one of the most stressful times of the year- probably not a big surprise for most of us. Between the perceived pressures of gift giving (and money spending), the multitude of party obligations, and the Hollywood depiction that the holidays are the time of year where everything in life is supposed to be perfect, it's no wonder that so many people feel stressed and depressed this time of year.*
There are many approaches to stress reduction and not one is necessarily better than another; it really is a matter of what works best for each individual. Aromatherapy is one possible mode of reducing holiday stress. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy states that aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. In other words, wonderfully smelling essential oils can be used to create a sense of well-being and calm, thereby reducing stress. Every year more research is concluding that aromatherapy is a valid approach to alleviating a number of conditions. A recent article in Psychology Today reports results from a study at Charles Sturt University in Australia that showed mounting evidence that essential oils do have physiological effects.
Some of the more popular oils used for calming and stress reduction include lavender, jasmine, chamomile, ylang ylang, and clary sage. Some of these oils can be used in massage, for inhalation, or infused into a hot bath. A certified massage therapist and/or aromatherapist should be consulted before using any essential oils as some are not safe for direct contact to skin and some are not safe during pregnancy. One should also consult with their doctor prior to using any essential oil or other alternative approach to stress relief.
*If you are experiencing feelings of depression please consult with your doctor.
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