How Essential Oils Help Me With Anxiety
Many people don’t realize that, when you live with anxiety, your “good days” just seem like a “normal day” to everyone else. But for those with anxiety, they are victories. A good day is not remembering you’re even anxious to begin with, not feeling constantly trapped and overwhelmed. Then sometimes it can hit you out of nowhere, even on “your day” like your birthday. Everything can be perfect, but something can just click and you start to feel tightness in your chest and you begin having hot flashes. That is when you take a time out. It gives you the opportunity to feel what you’re feeling and take a lot of deep breaths. This too shall pass — it always does.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, I have a list of coping mechanisms I turn to. I practice meditation, do yoga, journal all of the thoughts in my head, and start my day with a positive affirmation. However, at the top of my list, the best coping tactic I’ve found is the use of essential oils.
Essential oils have changed my life in ways I never thought aromatherapy would. They are a natural way to address anxiety and in my opinion, should be considered by all. There has been extensive research into how essential oils have a direct effect on our brains and nervous system. When you inhale the smell of an essential oil, a signal is sent to the limbic system of your brain which controls your emotions. For example, inhaling the smell of bergamot essential oil can significantly boost your mood. It has a citrus aroma and is most likely to be the most powerful of all citrus oils.
There are so many others that can help, but just to name a few, they are: lavender, frankincense, wild orange and Roman chamomile. Lavender and wild orange are personal favorites. Essential oils can be used topically (diluted with a carrier oil), in aromatherapy, or inhaling the smell. During the day I carry roller bottles with my favorite oils and apply them to my pulse points. I can feel the effects within minutes. At night, I diffuse them to help me sleep. Before using them I had such a hard time falling asleep and would constantly toss and turn. They have really improved the quality of my life.
These small steps may not seem like a big improvement but they have made a positive impact on my life. I am happy I found something that impacts not only my physical health but my mental health as well.
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Maria works as an accountant while studying to become licensed as a CPA. She is a compassionate, sensitive, witty woman with a deep intuitive awareness of life and people, but a struggling perfectionist. She is on a journey toward living with balance and inner peace.
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