3 Best ways to use aromatherapy to feel calmer and more relaxed

Aromatherapy is one of the best things we can do to help us feel more relaxed and calm. It has a remarkable ability to shift our mood in a matter of seconds, and make us feel more positive and at ease.

So how does it work?

It’s simple!  All you have to do is pay attention to the aromas of essential oils.

Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative wellness practice that uses the aromas of essential oils to improve our wellbeing and help us experience the connection between our body, mind and spirit.  It is holistic, safe and really effective.

Our sense of smell is directly linked to the part of our brain that controls how our body works and maintains its state of homeostasis. Aromas, which are composed of these amazingly complex aromatic molecules, trigger responses in our bodies and minds.  Think how smelling something delicious triggers your stomach to feel hungry, or how smelling smoke triggers you to feel frightened.  

By smelling the aromas of different essential oils we can actually trigger responses in our body and mind.  Let’s look at a few essential oils and see how they can make us feel:

Lavender:  Steam distilled from the flowering tops of this common herbal bush, the aroma of Lavender essential oil offers the experience of calm and quiet.  For most people, it soothes away worry, hushes overactive thinking, and makes our bodies feel less tense.  It’s a great essential oil to sniff before bed, or after experiencing a stressful situation.

Sweet Orange:  This essential oil is actually pressed out of the peel of the orange, and for most people it’s sweet, fresh aroma has the ability to make us feel joyful and positive. 

Peppermint:  This essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the common peppermint plant.  The instant most people smell this aroma they can usually feel alert, awake and refreshed.  In fact, it’s a great essential oil to have on hand whenever you are feeling drowsy.

So how can you start using aromatherapy to feel calmer and more relaxed?

Here are a few simple suggestions that are really easy to integrate into your everyday routine.

For quieting the buzz of an overactive mind, and constant worrying try this:

You’ll need an empty 1 oz jar and cotton ball.

Next, drop 7 drops of Lavender essential oil and 8 drops of Orange essential oil on the cotton ball and put it inside the jar, and cap it.

Carry it around with you throughout the day, and whenever you start feeling uneasy or jittery, open the cap and sniff.  Make sure you concentrate on the aroma, and pay attention to how it makes you feel.  Repeat as many times as needed throughout the day.

For keeping yourself alert and awake try this:

You’ll need an empty 2 oz spray bottle and some distilled water.

Next, fill the bottle up with distilled water.

Add 3 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil, 6 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil and 4 drops of Lemon essential oil.

Cap the bottle and shake well.  Holed the bottle about 12” away from your head and body and mist around yourself to keep yourself alert and awake. Use as often as needed throughout the day.

For keeping yourself feeling positive and relaxed try this:

You’ll need a 10ml glass roller bottle and 2 tsp of Jojoba oil

Next, pour in your 2 tsp of Jojoba oil into the glass roller bottle and then add 8 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil, 8 Drops of Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil, 4 drops of Lemon Essential Oil and 3 drops of Geranium Essential Oil. Snap the roller into the bottle opening and shake well.  Roll the bottle on your wrists and neck whenever you need a pick-me-up.  Use as often as needed!