Take a deep breath.....
It's not uncommon for parents of young children to be stressed or rundown. Their nights are often disturbed, their days busy and there is very little personal time out.
There are several ways that aromatherapy can be used as self-help in the home to bring a lowering of stress levels and perhaps deeper sleep.
Personal experience shows that many people experience stress relief when they inhale, or apply a blend of oils that remain the same over a period of time. This is partly due to the creation of a conditioned response – repeated use of a particular aroma for a particular condition will, over a period of time produce the required response. This is called a ‘conditioned reflex’ and is used by health professionals the world over. However, it is not a special technique to learn this behavioural response – parents use it every day when putting their children to bed; the same bath routine, a story, a drink, then sleep!
My suggestion is, therefore, that you find a blend of oils you like and a method of application that suits you and that you stick to it, using it at specific times of day to help you to train yourself to relax. Some oils that are really useful for stress are described below.
Frankincense
Traditionally used to conquer grief and sadness, this beautiful oil is light and gentle with lemon and incense aromas. Use two or three drops on a tissue or vaporiser, or six drops in a warm bath for real relaxation.
Lavender
Traditionally used for many ailments, lavender is really excellent at promoting sleep at night time and stress relief throughout the day. Two drops on the pillow at night is all you need. Make sure that the lavender is genuine oil as the synthetic version does not help induce sleep.
Eucalyptus staigeriana
This unpronounceable oil has a beautiful lemon-drop aroma, reminiscent of opal fruits! It is balancing for the hormones, so great for new mothers to help restore balance and body harmony. It is uplifting, anti-depressive and has been used by professionals extensively in the treatment of ME.
Inhalation is a great way to help with stress when you are on the go all day. Put two or three drops on a tissue and put into your top pocket, in the bra or somewhere near the face. Using up to six drops in a warm bath will also release the aroma and also promote relaxation.
The link between the olfactory system and the psyche cannot be underestimated and because of this, it is fairly obvious that pleasant smells will lift the spirits and cheer the soul. Essential oils are perfect as natural aromas to relax and uplift.