Calm Your Mind: Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

We all experience stress and anxiety in our daily lives. Some more, others less. Often these feelings are caused by things that are beyond our control. For example, you have to meet that important deadline next week, while you also have to attend your father-in-law's birthday party tonight, even though you don't really have time. Stress and anxiety are unfortunately common problems in our daily lives. With this blog, we not only want to reassure you that you are not alone in this, but we also want to give you insight into the causes of stress and anxiety, and offer you some useful tips on how to deal with it. So read on!

Where does stress and anxiety come from?

Long ago, people lived very differently than they do today. In the early years of humanity, everything revolved around 'survival of the fittest'. This may sound uncomfortable, and while it is certainly a blessing that we can now provide so much care and combat illness, our modern lifestyle goes against our natural instincts. Stress and anxiety are in fact reactions of the body to threatening situations, a so-called 'fight or flight' reaction. Where this reaction used to be necessary when confronted with a wild tiger, we are now in this mode almost daily due to the constant stimuli around us.

If you drink your cup of coffee in the morning with the news, you immediately get a lot of stress and anxiety. Anxiety because of the negative news reports and stress because of the caffeine in your cup. We are often not even aware of this. Our modern world is so full of stimuli that we no longer notice how harmful they can be to us. In fact, we are so used to this constant stream of stimuli that our body becomes addicted to it, and with it to the associated stress and anxiety.

How can you combat stress and anxiety?

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your daily life. One of the best things you can do is go back to nature.

1. Reduce screen time - We humans are not programmed to constantly look at a screen. For example, you can try to only pick up your phone after you have done your morning routine. That way, you start your day with fewer stimuli. And read a book before going to bed instead of scrolling. Reducing blue light ensures better production of melatonin, so you sleep well.
2. Caffeine after breakfast and not after two o'clock in the afternoon - Caffeine before your breakfast or just after waking up increases your cortisol level for the day. So you actually start your day with a high stress level, and you don't want that! Caffeine gives you more energy, but can also contribute to increased anxiety and sleep problems if you take it too late in the day. By limiting your caffeine consumption to the morning, you can help maintain your natural sleep cycle and reduce unnecessary tension.
3. Mindfulness and breathing - That mindfulness is good for reducing stress and anxiety may not be new information. However, it can be difficult to implement this into your day. After all, you don't always have time for it in your busy daily schedule. Start by meditating and doing breathing exercises for 5 minutes a day. There are several free mindfulness apps for your phone and Spotify also has a large number of free guided meditations. Also score our mindfulness diffuser blend now to complete your experience!
4. Exercise – This is perhaps the most important of all and you've probably heard it a thousand times, but regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve your mood. It has even been proven that a 30-minute walk a day can contribute significantly to your mental health. Of course, you prefer to do this outside in nature. So, put on those shoes!
5. Aromatherapy – Scents can also have a positive effect on your mental health. Essential oils such as lavender and peppermint can have a calming effect and help reduce stress and anxiety. Use a diffuser or add a few drops to a warm bath to relax and improve your mood. Discover our selection of essential oils on our website and find the perfect scent to reduce your daily stress.

So there are many ways to reduce stress and anxiety. However, stress and anxiety can also be caused by a serious and deeper cause. Are you in doubt about this or are your complaints long-term? Always call in a professional!