Essential Oils: A Natural Way to Reduce Stress

About the Author: Victoria Sexton is the founder and formulator for Victoria's Botanicals, an aromatherapy company. After studying aromatherapy at Bastyr University, she decided to open her own business sharing her essential oil creations with the world. Victoria’s ninja skill is blending essential oils that not only smell good but have a therapeutic purpose, as well.  
 Victoria creates easy to use and amazing smelling aromatherapy products- both custom and through her aromatherapy product line, Victoria's Botanicals. The products are EASY to use, already diluted and ready to go. 
You can check out all of our products at: 
https://victoriasbotanicals.com
 Want to learn how you can use an essential oil diffuser?  Sign up here for Victoria's FREE training, Diffuser 101. It covers everything you would want to know about diffusers, from what kind of diffuser to get, what to put in it and how to clean it. We'll see you in class. Go to www.diffuser101.com to get all the info. 

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 ​These days everyone seems to be experiencing stress. One way to combat stress is by using essential oils, also known as aromatherapy.
Essential oils are made by steam distilling natural flowers, plants, bark or fruit peel. Essential oils are extremely concentrated; a little goes a long way. For that reason, I recommend that you dilute your oils if you apply topically. 
You can use essential oils topically, just be sure to properly dilute the oils. A 1-2% dilution is appropriate for topical use for ages 10 and up. That's just 7-14 drops per ounce. You don't need a lot of essential oil to achieve results. 
While topical usage is very popular, the easiest way to use essential oils is with an electric essential oil diffuser. Just a few drops, along with some tap water and your whole room can smell amazing. Many people use citrus essential oils as their “happy oil”. Use scents that make you happy. 
Keep in mind which scents are relaxing to you. Which scent makes you feel happy, lighten the mood or just smells really good. Scent is a funny thing. Scent carries with it memories from our past (both good and bad) that can trigger emotion. This is something to keep in mind when deciding on a relaxing essential oil. 
 
 Here are a few ways to combat stress using essential oils. 
 1) Take your essential oils with you throughout the day
Essential oils can be portable. You can take your favorite stress relief essential oils with you when you're on the go. 
If you're using essential oils topically make sure you use a carrier oil to dilute it. Almond oil, sunflower oil and kukui nut oil are great examples of carrier oils that you can buy at your local health food store. 
For an adult, a 1% dilution is appropriate. That just 7 drops of oil per ounce. Roller bottles make for easy application. 
My first recommendation is to use a diffuser. You can use an electric diffuser. If you're on the go you can use essential oil jewelry, a personal inhaler or even a car diffuser. These are low profile options and a great way to take your oils with you. 

 2) Use your oils during the most stressful time(s) of day 
What’s the most stressful part of your day? For some, the most stressful part of their day is their commute. For others, their most stressful part of the day is getting the kids ready for school, or maybe that daily status meeting causes you stress. 
My advice is to figure out what the most stressful part of the day is and find ways to incorporate essential oils into daily routines during that part of the day.
You can do this by buying a car diffuser or essential oil jewelry. Car diffusers can be helpful when dealing with a crazy commute, and the price point is less than $30 in most cases. Essential oil jewelry can be a great option for those who don’t have time to apply or re-apply throughout the day. If you have your own office at work, consider getting a small diffuser for your workspace.
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 3) Use essential oils when you’re trying to relax
Essential oils can be used as a part of a stress relief activity like yoga, meditation or even going for a walk outside. Taking a few minutes out of your day to meditate, or even just breathe, can make a big difference in your stress level. During that time, get out your essential oil roller bottle. Apply the diluted essential oils to your pressure points, hands or even your jaw line. Breathe. Relax. 
If you like mixing your own individual oils try any of the following stress relieving essential oils:
lavender, geranium, frankincense, citrus oils like lemon, lime, oranges. (And remember if you're using citrus oils topically, use bergaptene free citrus oils to avoid photo sensitivity.)