3 Best Essential Oils for Stress

In the whirlwind of daily life, where deadlines loom, to-do lists never end, and the balance between work and personal time seems ever-elusive, stress has become a constant companion for many of us. 

Stress is a universal experience, touching each of us in different aspects of our lives, whether you're a student juggling exams and deadlines, a professional grappling with work pressures, someone managing the daily challenges of home and family, or navigating the complexities of relationships.

Clearly, stress doesn't discriminate, affecting us all in various ways, and we're always on the lookout for effective strategies to manage the tension.

And we certainly get it – navigating through the day's demands can leave you feeling stretched thin and searching for a breath of calm. 

That's precisely why we're diving into the world of essential oils, nature's own stress relievers. 

So whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the aromatherapy scene, join us as we explore how these potent, fragrant oils can be powerful allies in your quest for tranquility and well-being. 

The Essential Benefits

You might have heard that essential oils are used for their therapeutic and medicinal properties, but did you know that this is more than a new-age fad, and is actually a centuries-old practice in various world cultures?

Our clever predecessors knew what they were doing by making essential oils.

Essential oils are a concentration of potent extracts derived from plants, containing the essence of their fragrance and healing properties in pocket-sized bottles. These natural oils can be used in a variety of ways, including aromatherapy, skincare, and even for alleviating stress and anxiety.

By now, we all understand that stress is an inevitable part of today's world — no matter if you’re at home or out and about. Finding effective ways to manage stress is imperative to our overall well-being, lest we burn out quicker than snuffing a flame.

Many of us feel stress and get overwhelmed not because we're taking on too much, but because we're taking on too little of what really strengthens us. -Marcus Buckingham

One of our best ways to overcome stress: essential oils.

Essential oils can do wonders for the mind and body, as they offer a natural and holistic approach to combat stress and promote relaxation.

Free of harmful synthetic chemicals, essential oils are able to calm the nervous system and enhance mood through sensory and limbic stimulation. 

When inhaled or applied topically, the therapeutic compounds in certain essential oils act on stress hormones in the brain to promote tranquillity.

Grab Your Lavender, Chamomile, and Bergamot

In our quest to navigate the tumultuous waves of stress that life often throws our way, the natural world offers a beacon of hope in the form of essential oils.

The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another. -William James

Among the myriad of scents and extracts, three stand out for their profound ability to soothe the mind, uplift the spirit, and bring a sense of calm to our hectic days:

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is renowned for its stress-relieving properties, making it one of the most popular and widely studied essential oils for combating stress and anxiety. 

Research supports its effectiveness, attributing its calming effects to the presence of compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to interact with the central nervous system to lower stress responses, reduce anxiety levels, and promote relaxation.

These compounds interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting better sleep. This ability to improve sleep quality is another reason it's beneficial for stress management. 

Poor sleep often exacerbates stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. Lavender oil has been shown to increase slow-wave sleep, the deep, restorative stage of sleep, according to research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 

This not only helps in improving sleep quality but also in reducing stress levels and improving overall well-being.

Lavender essential oil can be diffused, applied topically, or even added to a warm bath for ultimate relaxation.

Chamomile Essential Oil

The gentle and floral scent of chamomile essential oil is a similarly excellent choice for stress relief. 

Chamomile essential oil is known for its sedative properties, as it contains bisabolol and chamazulene, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties — you can soothe your overworked nervous system with just a whiff.

Chamomile essential oil is non-sticky and can also be added to a carrier oil for a relaxing massage, or applied to pulse points.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Then you have a citrus oil that has uplifting and mood-enhancing properties, like bergamot.

Bergamot essential oil has a refreshing scent that can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being. Bergamot essential oil can be diffused or added to a carrier oil for a relaxing massage. 

Do note that bergamot oil is photosensitive, so it should not be left out under the sun, or applied to the skin before sun exposure.

How to Use Essential Oils for Stress Relief

There are several ways to use essential oils for stress relief, depending on your preference and the desired effect:

Inhalation

Inhalation is a quick and convenient way to experience the benefits of essential oils. 

You can simply inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or add a few drops of oil to a tissue and inhale deeply. This method can provide immediate relief and is especially useful when you're on the go.

Diffusion

Diffusing essential oils using an aromatherapy diffuser allows the aroma to disperse over time, throughout a room. Simply add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the water in the diffuser, sit back, and let the soothing scent fill the air.

Topical application 

Applying the oil directly to the skin is another effective way to surround yourself in a calm cocoon. 

Dilute a few drops of essential oil in a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to pulse points of your skin, such as the wrists or temples. Another way to do this? Try our healing balms!

Essential Oils for Home, Office, and Travel

You can incorporate the simple methods into your daily self-care routine or create a work ritual, to reap the full benefits of essential oils and their stress-relieving properties. 

Here are some ideas for you.

• Start your day by adding a few drops of bergamot or citrus essential oil to your shower gel or body wash for an invigorating and energising uplift in your morning. Better yet, use one of our shower steamers (also made with essential oils!)
• In the office, keep a small bottle of essential oil at your desk (we recommend peppermint or bergamot!). Inhale the aroma when you need a moment of calm or add a few drops to a diffuser necklace or bracelet for continuous relief throughout the day.
• At any time, practice mindful breathing techniques while inhaling your favourite essential oil or while lighting your favourite scented candle (we recommend our palo santo scents for this!). Take deep breaths, focusing on the aroma and allowing it to calm your mind and body.
• Create a calming bedtime ritual by diffusing lavender or chamomile essential oil in your bedroom or creating a DIY linen spray for your bed. Our room sprays can also be best for this! This can prepare your mind and body for relaxation and help you get a restful night's sleep.

• When travelling, carry a travel-sized diffuser and your favourite essential oils to create a soothing environment in your hotel room. Lavender and chamomile can help you relax after a long day of exploring, while scents like peppermint can provide a refreshing boost of energy when needed.

Experience the Power of Essential Oils

Stress can follow us wherever we go, but fortunately, essential oils offer a natural and effective way to promote relief and combat stress.

By incorporating essential oils into your self-care routine, you can create a stress-busting environment even if lavender, chamomile, and bergamot aren’t your favourite scents.

If you prefer a floral aroma, ylang-ylang or rose essential oil may be more suitable for you. Both oils have calming properties and can help reduce anxiety. On the other hand, if you're looking for a grounding and earthy aroma, try using patchouli or vetiver essential oil.

What are you waiting for? Begin your journey to stress relief and inner peace with the best essential oils we have to offer at Innerfyre Co.

Oh and by the way, here are a couple of easy recipes to get you started.

To a diffuser, you just need to mix the following.

For  a calming blend:

• 3 drops of lavender essential oil 
• 2 drops of chamomile essential oil 
• 2 drops of bergamot essential oil 

For a focus blend:

• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
• 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil