Welcome to my favorite corner of my house... the corner in which my essential oils and diffuser live.
I started using essential oils years ago so I could recreate the relaxed + healing energy that was always present in my Executive Director's office at the mental health agency that I work at. This led to a realization of how goddamn helpful they are, not only as a calming routine but also as a core part of my mental health healing. Once I started to research each oil and their effects... I made it a non-negotiable part of my morning routine after starting the coffee pot, letting my puppy out for a morning run and taking my meds of course.
Starting up my oil diffuser (placed next to my desk) and using an aromatherapy combination that supports my brain for the day is priceless when it comes to combatting my chronic depression, soothing my nervous system, heading off anxiety. In short, it creates an environment where I can boost my spirits as well as be more productive. Once thought of as purely "anecdotal" when it came to their effectiveness, research now shows that aromatherapy can be an immensely helpful addition to our wellness routines. (It's important to note that they're not a replacement for my medication/other healing modalities, but instead they're another tool I use.)
Essential oils, in short, have become one of MY FAVORITE tools to use when it comes to finding brain and body "balance." Here are five combinations that have become the "main stars" of my rotation:
1.) The "Chill TF Out Because You Deserve It" Recipe
(A blend for calming your mind.)
Inspired by my favorite Anatomicals balm, this mixture will help dissolve some of your concerns and leave you with a little more clarity and peace. I've made my own balm (because: damn, Anatomicals is expensive) to use on my temples and under my nose at night with this combination as well as bath bombs so that I can enjoy the effects when I start my morning. (It's also the one that's currently in my diffuser while I am typing this.)
It's an amazing blend of relaxation, energy, and emotional clarity... in that exact order!
- 4 drops of lavender oil
- 3 drops of lemon oil
- 2 drops of rosemary oil
2.) The "Slow Down, It's all Going to be Okay" Recipe
(A blend for anxiety relief.)
For those who struggle with anxiety, this combination of essential oils is a good ol' standby that soothes your nervous system and lets you relax a little bit more.
Bonus tip: a friend of mine received an amazingly effective (and simple!) suggestion to help with anxiety + panic attacks from her neurologist. Next time anxiety creeps up on you, try this: take a drop of peppermint oil and rub it into each of your palms. Then, cup your hands over your nose and mouth while taking slow, deep breaths.
If you'd like you can also take a (super tiny, trust me on this) dab of peppermint oil and rub it on the roof of your mouth (the palate) before you start your breathing process. This not only increases oxygen intake but it also gives your hands/fingers a role to play (they tend to be most affected by anxiety) while the oil works on "resetting" your nervous system.
For those who struggle with anxiety, this combination of essential oils is a good ol' standby that soothes your nervous system and lets you relax a little bit more.
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops of lemon essential oil
Bonus tip: a friend of mine received an amazingly effective (and simple!) suggestion to help with anxiety + panic attacks from her neurologist. Next time anxiety creeps up on you, try this: take a drop of peppermint oil and rub it into each of your palms. Then, cup your hands over your nose and mouth while taking slow, deep breaths.
If you'd like you can also take a (super tiny, trust me on this) dab of peppermint oil and rub it on the roof of your mouth (the palate) before you start your breathing process. This not only increases oxygen intake but it also gives your hands/fingers a role to play (they tend to be most affected by anxiety) while the oil works on "resetting" your nervous system.
3.) The "Today Is a Good Day, Remember?" Recipe
(A blend for grounding yourself.)
This is the oil combination I take with me to my office at the behavioral health agency I'm currently working at. I've noticed that since I've been using it, people who walk by are more likely to drop in for a moment just to sit with me, share what's going on in their life and relax because of this blend and I LOVE it!
A mixture of relaxing lavender, bright bergamot, and a little ylang-ylang makes me feel like I'm capable of handling whatever life throws at me.
This is the oil combination I take with me to my office at the behavioral health agency I'm currently working at. I've noticed that since I've been using it, people who walk by are more likely to drop in for a moment just to sit with me, share what's going on in their life and relax because of this blend and I LOVE it!
A mixture of relaxing lavender, bright bergamot, and a little ylang-ylang makes me feel like I'm capable of handling whatever life throws at me.
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
4.) The "You Got This Because You're A Bad-Ass" Recipe
(A blend for activating your brain.)
For the days that I need something to perk up my mind and help me focus on the tasks on hand, this duo does all of that and more.
For the days that I need something to perk up my mind and help me focus on the tasks on hand, this duo does all of that and more.
- 3 drops of orange essential oil
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
5.) The "Sleep is Good for You So Maybe Don't Fight It?" Recipe
(A blend for better sleep.)
If you have trouble falling asleep at night (I've got a hell of an overactive brain!) I'd recommend this blend any day of the year. (Melatonin and listening to Harry Potter read by Jim Dale on audible is also highly recommended, but not necessary.)
If you have trouble falling asleep at night (I've got a hell of an overactive brain!) I'd recommend this blend any day of the year. (Melatonin and listening to Harry Potter read by Jim Dale on audible is also highly recommended, but not necessary.)
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops of cedarwood essential oil
- 3 drops of bergamot essential oil
Do you have any blends that you love and swear by? I'm always looking for new combinations, so feel free to leave them below!
No comments