There are so many ways to soothe yourself and bring yourself back to the present moment. Aromatherapy is something that has really helped me. Give it a try! Here is an excerpt from my book Kicking Sick:
We’ve all experienced the power of scent and how it can shift our mood and energy in the matter of a sniff. You know how B.O. makes you quietly but quickly move away from the stinky guy on your morning train? Or how the smell of cookies baking makes you feel all warm and happy inside? Then you understand the power of scent.
Aromatherapy is the targeted use of aromatic, natural plant oils and extracts to lift your mood and increase your cognitive, psychological, and physical well-being. Scientists and researchers believe that odor detection receptors in our nose communicate with parts of our brain, specifically the parts that hold memories and emotions. Smelling essential oils can make you feel instantly relaxed and centered.
Be sure to use pure, organic essential oils. Synthetic oils don’t have the same natural and pleasant aroma or the healing powers of the real thing. Many scented products on the market advertised as “therapeutic” actually contain synthetic products. They’re fakers! Read labels carefully. Who likes a phony?
One of my favorite things to do is put relaxing oil on my wrists or my temples and breathe it in. Just be sure to read the label on your oil before applying it to your skin; some need to be mixed with neutral or carrier oil before touching your skin.
Here are some of my favorite oils and oil blends:
- To feel more balanced when you’re stressed, you can try lavender, ylang ylang, frankincense, spruce, ho wood, or chamomile.
- To soothe sore muscles and joints, give these a try: wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, chamomile, helichrysum.
- For respiratory health, try eucalyptus oil. It also helps relieve sore muscles when added to the bath.
- When you need a pick-me-up or a mood boost, any citrus essential oil, like orange or grapefruit, is a great idea. They are energizing and revitalizing. Peppermint is also a great pick-me-up. (Plus, it is great for digestion.) All are good choices when you’re feeling like a couch potato.
- Lavender essential oil is a great way to help you wind down from the day or relax at a moment’s notice. It’s like Xanax, but not dangerously habit forming. Its relaxing and anti-anxiety properties help you sleep better. You can put a drop on your pillow before bed. Happy snoozing!
