You can’t deny it. The world is a stressful place. Here’s how to use aromatherapy to help.
What’s Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a way in which we can use aromatic materials to enhance our psychological or physical well-being. In short, it’s how we use smells to feel better.
This practice of using scents, oils, and natural aromas dates back thousands of years ago. However, it was Rene Maurice Gattefosse who coined the term “aromatherapy” in 1937 while experimenting with essential oils.
You can practice aromatherapy in a variety of ways, there’s:
- Oils, wax burners, perfumes, lotions, bath salts, and diffusers.
Check out my favorite version at the end and I’ll even show you how to make it yourself.
Before using any kind of aromatherapy tool consult with your primary physician first. This piece is solely educational and is in no way meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any health issues. (MEDICAL DISCLAIMER) Some products may affect certain health conditions like asthma or pregnancy. Consult with your doctor before using any aromatherapy methods or products.
How Can Aromatherapy Help With Stress?
Think of a time when you entered a coffee shop or a florist shop. Smells pretty great, right? Probably made you smile or even happy smelling the fresh flowers or sipping on your favorite drink.
That’s how scent along with touch, sight, taste, and hearing connects us to happy emotions that release endorphins within us.
Studies are still very limited on the true scientific effects of aromatherapy.
The general theory of aromatherapy is that the aromas being used stimulate our olfactory nerve. This then stimulates our limbic and amygdala which govern our mood, memory, and emotions. Think of Christmas scents. For most people, they make them happy because the Christmas season is typically filled with love and laughter.
The only drawback is that not all scents are good. Think of a time you maybe got sick from a particular food or had to change a dirty diaper. You attribute negative emotions to those negative scents.
Tailor aromatherapy to work for your needs.
Don’t let stress consume youl. Use scents that calm you, relax you, or make your mind your mind slow down from 100mph to a 15mph.
Surround yourself with fresh “bright” scents when you are stressed. The most popular anti-stress scents are:
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Lemongrass
- Neroli
- Ylang Ylang
Keep your eyes open for ones named after fresh fruits or florals. They are most keen to promote a relaxing and energizing environment, perfect for stress.
How Can You Use it at Home?
Every home setup is different and every person’s needs are unique. Make the aromatherapy work for you. Respect your surroundings and those you live with as well.
For me, I work from home and my partner is gone for most of the day. This allows me to experiment with smells or use ones he may not like. I can also use longer-lasting methods like burners or incense since I won’t be leaving home.
In my office, I like to use orange, mint, palo santo, or basil to focus and remain energized. If I’m watching TV or reading, I’ll switch over to incense or an easy room spray before I sit down.
Avoid using too many aromatherapy sources at once. They’ll start to blend together and you won’t be able to distinguish between the different scents. Try one per room or one per floor.
Use a room spray at night before bed if you want aromas for sleeping. This is the safest method next to using a stick diffuser. Do not go to bed with anything lit, burning, etc.
Luckily, you can easily make your own room spray, and my partner and I are going to show you how.
Below you’ll find a few quick questions I asked Preston on aromatherapy. Check out our video demonstration next, where we make our own room spray.
Catch us doing this LIVE on Instagram this Monday 7/27/20 @12pm MST (Phoenix Time) Click HERE for my Instagram
1. How did you come across aromatherapy?
It was actually given to me as a gift for my birthday.
I don’t remember the specific smell now, but I got an essential oil candle and a room spray.
They got used up pretty fast and started doing some research online and realized I could make my own.
I started playing around with recipes I found and creating custom scents.
2. How do you incorporate it into your life?
Smells are so versatile, that I use it everywhere.
Keeping a mini spray bottle in my desk for when I need a quick boost of concentration is extremely helpful.
I keep some near the bed for when I need a little help falling asleep.
I keep some in my travel bag to get a quick little refresher when on the go.
3. Which 3 scents can you not live without?
Peppermint
Lavender
Citrus
4. What’s the biggest benefit you get from aromatherapy?
Scents are closely tied to the area of your brain that processes moods and emotions, so it’s a great way to quickly adjust your mood or gain focus.
Buy essential oil sprays that are designed for different purposes or can make your own as needed.
Mint can help cognitive functions and memory.
Lavender helps with sleep/relaxation.
Citrus is great for an uplifting boost of energy.
5. How do you make your own room spray?
Quick and easy recipe is a 50/50 mix of distilled water & witch hazel. Add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil depending on how strong you want the smell.
Store it in one of those amber or blue glass bottles you can find on Amazon and enjoy!
Essential oils have become common enough that you can find them in stores. You can also find pre-made mixes at your local metaphysical/psychic shop if you’re looking for something with specific intent or purpose.
This is one of my favorite recipes. It’s simple and will help boost energy and chill you out.
Start with 10 drops of a citrus scent for that energetic boost.
Add 5 drops of lavender for some calm.
Add 4 drops of rosemary and 5 drops of eucalyptus to remove any negative vibes.
If the scent isn’t strong enough, keep adding more in that same ratio to get the desired strength of smell.
Pour it into a spritzer bottle and you’re good to go!
DIY @ Home Video Demonstration
Want to Know More?
Are you looking for new and healthy alternatives to recharge your mood, enhance your workouts, and boost your sex drive?
Aromatherapy is not only safe (with doctor approval) but will also leave you feeling recharged mentally, physically, and sexually.
If you’re looking for more information on our unique room spray recipes, you can get our FREE Room Spray Recipe Book Here
If you’re interested in more 1-on-1 client training programs for fitness sign-up here.
We can discuss in private either your fitness goals, self-esteem goals, and even your bedroom goals 😉
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