Are you constantly worrying? Do you feel restless or agitated? Is it difficult for you to fall or stay asleep? These are just a few common symptoms related to anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Other indications that anxiety may be an issue in your life include: panic attacks, difficulty in social situations, fatigue, irrational fears, a rapid heart rate, and nervousness. To name just a few. Though most people feel anxious about specific situations (like the first day of a new job or meeting a significant others family for the first time) a growing number of people feel anxious almost all the time. With anxiety on the rise…it is important to address the issue and find ways to achieve mental and emotional well being. Add these essential oil blends to your life for an extra dose of calm.
Essential Oil Blends and Anxiety
Many theorize that anxiety has become a more pressing issue than ever before. According to the book chain Barnes & Noble, sales of books related to anxiety rose more than 25% last year alone. The company explained the increase by saying, “We may be living in an anxious nation.” There is certainly truth to that statement. An estimated 40 million adults in the United States deal with anxiety-related disorders…with only 36.9% of those adults reaching out for treatment.
There are many treatment options, ranging from one-on-one therapy to group meetings, medication, and even an array of natural methods. One natural method you may want to consider involves the use of essential oils. Scents have the ability to alter or enhance your mood. That makes them a powerful healing tool when it comes to the issue of anxiety. Certain oils can make you feel relaxed while some essential oil blends can reduce (or even eliminate) feelings of anxiety.
Blend #1: Grounding and General Anxiety Relief
There are countless essential oil benefits, ranging from reduced stress to increased energy levels. However, when it comes to anxiety relief it is important to start with a blend that both calms and grounds. This first recipe uses lavender, clary sage, and frankincense. The combination is relaxing and earthy. Lavender is easily the most commonly prescribed oil for anxiety because it was traditionally used to ease nerves. It isn’t just a traditional idea. In fact, modern research studies have also found links between the scent and its ability to calm. Meanwhile, clary sage is used for stress reduction and frankincense’s woody scent allows you to feel more grounded and rooted.
If you enjoy using a diffuser for your essential oil blends, this simple recipe will help you feel better quickly and easily. Start with two drops of lavender, followed by two drops of clary sage, and one drop of frankincense. Breathe in this balanced and beautiful blend for reduced anxiety.
Blend #2: Banish Stress and Ease Social Anxiety
Sometimes, it is tempting to stay under the covers and hide away from the rest of the world. (Very tempting!) That being said, it isn’t always possible. Bills still need to be paid and sometimes there are social or familial obligations to consider. If the idea of stepping out into the world makes you feel anxious and stressed…this next recipe might be your new favourite. Though there are many essential oil blends out there, this particular blend uses lavender, cedarwood, geranium, and ylang ylang. Cedarwood has a grounding and calming effect while geranium restores emotional balance, and ylang ylang reduces feelings of anxiety.
Create an oil-based blend (you can add a little to your wrist or neck to wear it as a perfume) by adding 10 drops of lavender, 4 drops of cedarwood, 4 drops of geranium, and 3 drops of ylang ylang to a glass container. Then add in your carrier oil (common types of carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, and grape seed oil) and mix well.
Blend #3: Reduce Restlessness and Breathe Easier
Maybe your anxious feelings make it difficult to focus on the task at hand or perhaps you struggle to rest and relax. It’s okay…it happens to a lot of people. Moving forward, you can make use of essential oil blends that target anxious or intrusive thoughts. This next blend will help you feel less restless and allow you to breathe a little easier. Use a combination of bergamot (works to combat stress and insomnia), neroli (a bright scent that helps with focus and improved mood), and sandalwood (studies indicate this oil can alleviate anxiety).
This is an ideal recipe to use with an aromatherapy inhaler. Essentially, an inhaler is a plastic tube with a cotton wick inside. The essential oils are dropped directly onto the cotton wick which is then stored inside the plastic tube. Keep it in your purse or pocket and enjoy the blend on the go or a little more discreetly. Start by combining 4 drops of bergamot, 4 drops of neroli, and 4 drops of sandalwood into a shallow glass container. This will create a balanced (and effective) blend. Then roll the cotton wick in the glass container until it has soaked up all of the oils. Place it back in the plastic tube, pop on the cap, and enjoy your travel-friendly recipe.
Other Essential Oils for Anxiety
If blends sound a little too advanced, not to worry. There are many pre-made essential oil blends that you can try. Take a peek at your local metaphysical shop or even a natural beauty or fragrance section. They often have essential oils blended to target specific issues, anxiety included.
Alternatively, you can stick to one essential oil at a time. Add a few drops to your shower or incorporate one in your next meditation session. Other useful oils for anxiety are: rose (this oil has been found to reduce feelings of tension), jasmine (studies indicate this oil can calm the nervous system), and vetiver oil (can help with panic attacks, anxiety, and emotional stresses).
Everyone feels anxious sometimes…but if your anxiety has become an issue or it feels out of hand, consider adding aromatherapy to your treatment. Effective essential oil blends have the ability to make you feel calmer, more relaxed, and ready to take on the world.
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