If there is one thing that has come out of the transition of our lifestyles to a fast-paced, unforgiving, rat race, winner-takes-it-all kind, it is stress, undoubtedly. Lots of it. Constant headaches (a migraine), anxiety, even panic attacks, endless nights of sleeplessness, continually feeling overwhelmed, dejected and isolated these all have become parts of our lives way more than they should have.
Stress and strain can completely derail a person’s normal functioning and make them much less productive than they otherwise would have been.
Essential oils for stress have been known to have healing and soothing properties since time immemorial, so it comes as no surprise that they could be hugely beneficial in reducing stress. Therefore, let us take a look at some essential oils for stress.
As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA), the apex body in the field of psychology, there are three different types of stress. They are: –
Acute stress: Acute stress is the briefest type of stress. It is also the most commonly occurring type of stress. It is usually a part of the body’s reaction to something, for example, narrowly escaping an accident, arguing with a friend or loved one or worrying about an impending deadline at work or school. It more often than not goes away on its own.
Episodic Acute Stress: When acute stress starts becoming a regular part of life, it comes under episodic acute stress. It usually arises from a person taking on too much at once and then feeling overwhelmed. Such people are always worried or anxious.
Chronic Stress: Chronic stress is the most severe type of stress. It is characterised by a person almost always being in a severely stressful situation. It can be either due to childhood trauma, poverty, chronic, debilitating disease like cancer or the death of a loved one.
Stress is a psychological condition, so there usually are not any tell-tale physical symptoms of stress. Nevertheless, a person is said to be under stress if he/she suffers from any of the following symptoms:
Also Read: Home Remedies For Nausea
There are no apparent causes of stress as it is an internal condition, but the following are some factors which may be responsible for a person being under stress:
Stress is difficult to deal with. Since it is not a physical ailment with a well-defined set of causes, symptoms and treatment, it cannot be cured through a one size fits all method. It is different for every person.
Due to the stigma surrounding mental health, many people are afraid to be candid about it and seek help too. In these cases, essential oils for stress can help in providing some relief from everyday stress. They are the following:
Clove buds have always been known to have healing properties which are of enormous help when it comes to finding relief from stress(1).
Clove Bud Oil acts as a great stressbuster, so it helps in reducing stress anxiety and fatigue, especially stress headaches.
Lavender oil is perhaps the most used essential oil when it comes to producing soothing and calming effects is concerned.
Lavender oil has an incredibly calming effect on a person. Just its highly pleasant smell can wash away any anxiety or worry off a person’s head(2). It is also the most preferred essential oil to induce sleep.
Read More: Lavender Oil Benefits
Eucalyptus oil(3) is known to have a magical cooling effect due to its aroma. It can lift up a person’s spirits.
It instantly rejuvenates a person if they are feeling sluggish or down in the dumps due to its refreshing smell.
Read More: Eucalyptus Oil Benefits
Much like we associate peppermint gum with refreshment, peppermint oil works the same due to its cooling effect.
The plant of peppermint contains the compound menthol, which is pivotal in giving it a rejuvenating aroma and assuaging fatigue.
Frankincense oil(4) is a very soothing essential oil which can significantly alleviate stress and anxiety.
Frankincense oil carries a special significance in the field of spirituality as it is known to heighten intuition. Its fragrance is known to enhance the mood.
Read More: Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
Cinnamon oil(5) helps you unwind due to its soothing properties. Therefore, it works great for stress and stress-related anxiety.
Cinnamon oil can reduce sleepiness and give a boost of energy due to its refreshing properties.
Rose has always been a symbol of positivity, be it in the form of peace or romance. So it has feel-good effects when it comes to stress and depression too(6).
Rose oil has therapeutic effects due to its sweet fragrance. It fosters feelings of self-esteem and hope.
Orange oil is also a popular option for relief from stress-related fractures and stress-related incontinence(7).
Due to orange being a citrus fruit and having an uplifting scent, orange oil is a very effective stress reliever and energy booster.
Recommended Read: Benefits of Orange Essential Oil
Sandalwood oil is widely known for its versatile and therapeutic effects due to its captivating aroma. It helps in decreasing stress too.
Sandalwood oil is known to provide emotional balance by working straight on the limbic system. It propagates tranquillity and good mental health.
Jasmine oil(8) has been used by our ancestors to treat insomnia and anxiety, so its use for relieving stress dates back to centuries.
According to research done by scientists, it has been found that jasmine oil is as good as the traditional antidepressant Valium in curbing stress.
Essential oils for stress are useful, but due to stress being a dicey matter, there are some downsides and precautions to keep in mind while using them.
[Read: How to Relieve Stress and Strain]
Some other home remedies that can help reduce stress other than essential oils for stress are as follows:
Stress is a curse of our times. We cannot avoid our lifestyle habits which cause stress, but we can try to maintain some healthy mental practices on our part. We can also use the aforementioned essential oils for stress to calm the mind.
Remember, if the going gets tough, don’t be afraid to seek help. You are not alone in this, and there is indeed nothing to be ashamed of in seeking help for your mental health. Confide in your loved ones about how you feel.
Contrary to what you may expect, they will more often than not be supportive of you and urge you to overcome the tough phase. Never consider self-harm as an option. You may think it reduces pain; it does not. It only hurts you and the people around you.
No, there is (and should be) some amount of stress in a person to push them to be motivated and dedicated to something and exhibit their very best at the task. No amount of stress tends to make a person lazy, lethargic and an underachiever.
Thus the right kind of stress is referred to as eustress. Stress starts becoming a bad thing if it starts growing disruptive to activities that used to go by earlier without any hindrances or hurting the affected person or the people around him. Then it comes under “distress” which is a matter of concern.
Untreated stress is an invitation to all kinds of chronic diseases like hypertension, heart attacks, and diabetes, besides several other health complications.