Do you feel stressed out?
If so, you are not alone. Stress and worry plague about 60% of Americans. Though not uncommon, you do not need to simply accept feeling this way.
Calm yourself naturally! Keep reading to learn how aromatherapy with essential oil diffuser blends can relieve your stress.
Aroma Therapy and Stress
An aromatherapy diffuser can ease your stress almost instantly. Though your nose allows scents to enter your body, the brain actually allows you to smell them.
When odors stimulate the olfactory bulb, they light up parts of the limbic system that deal with emotion. Certain aromas lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in your body, calming you into ease. Discover it for yourself by trying different scents!
Which Aromas Reduce Stress?
Not all aromas are created equal. While some will calm your nerves, others can invigorate you.
The following essential oil diffuser scents will help calm you.
Lavender
You will often see baby products scented with this purple flower for a reason. This pleasant floral scent produces a calming effect. We can thank its active alcohol ingredient, linalool. It triggers neuroreceptors to produce GABA in the brain, which blocks signals in the brain to reduce anxiety.
Chamomile
This delicate flower also mellows the mind. Its sweet, herbaceous smell amps up melatonin production in the brain. Melatonin balances your circadian rhythm and helps you feel sleepy so that you get the rest you need.
Chamomile also boosts up natural serotonin levels. This neurotransmitter creates the feeling of happiness.
Valerian Root
Full of volatile compounds, this oil lets off an earthy and pungent aroma. Rather than increasing GABA production, valerian root stops your body from breaking it down, creating a similar, but less potent effect.
This helps you feel calm, rather than sleepy. Though it may not make you fall asleep, you will rest easier and will not feel groggy in the morning if you diffuse it before bed.
Lemon Balm
Enjoy this relative of the mint family in your essential oil diffuser to find contentment. Its minty, lemon scent reduces levels of cortisol in the body, which decreases overall stress levels.
You will find that its fresh aroma awakens you, rather than lulling you to sleep. But, it does so gently and reduces your feeling of anxiety and stress.
Other Potential Benefits of Essential Oils
Depending on the aroma you choose, essential oils offer a wide range of wellness benefits. For instance, clove, thyme, and rose may all reduce inflammation, while citrus oils, like grapefruit and orange, help control hunger. Other oils, like frankincense and cypress, may help you reach enlightenment during meditative practices.
Enjoy All of Your Essential Oil Diffuser Blends
Now that you know that the right essential oil diffuser blends can help you live stress-free, enjoy each and every one of them! As they help you feel better, they will also make your home smell amazing.
We want to help you improve your life in other ways as well. Read more helpful tips on our website!
