Life can be stressful, especially as we wait for others to make decisions that will have a direct impact on our welfare. So, if life has stressed you out, gotten you down and riled you up, this week's posts should be helpful. They will all be addressing techniques to help you chill out and relax into a greater sense of gratitude. All are at little or no cost.
I know, we would all LOVE to go to the spa and be pampered for awhile. Aahh, the bliss! However, that isn't possible for everyone. Nevertheless, there are some ways you can gratefully settle into a sense of release. Today's post will discuss three ways to use essential oils for aroma therapy and relaxation at home.
Using Essential Oils for Relaxation These ideas will help you to become more stilled and focused as you quiet your mind and body. Try one and see how it works for you.
As a caution: if you are new to essential oils, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist to make sure you're not allergic to the oil you have chosen.
Essential oils are available at natural foods stores and from some natural health care practitioners.
As a caution: if you are new to essential oils, do a patch test on the inside of your wrist to make sure you're not allergic to the oil you have chosen.
Essential oils are available at natural foods stores and from some natural health care practitioners.
Exercise One
Use any of the following essential oils in this exercise. They help focus your thoughts: rosemary, peppermint or clary sage.
Allow yourself some uninterrupted time to sit for a quiet 15 minutes. Choose a room and a time that is free of distractions. Your bedroom is often a good place, early in the morning, if possible. Close the door, sit quietly on the floor or bed, and apply just a drop of essential oil to the palms of your hands. Rub your palms together, then loosely cup your hands in front of your mouth and nose (stay away from your eyes!) and breathe deeply to inhale the fragrance. If you prefer, you can use a diffuser to diffuse the scent into the room. As you do, focus on one positive thought or image; something for which you are truly grateful, or an image that uplifts you and makes you smile.
As distracting thoughts come, do not entertain them or allow them to sidetrack you, just let them slip by and continue to focus on your positive thought or image. Stay in this state of quiet relaxation, breathing deeply for 15 minutes.
As distracting thoughts come, do not entertain them or allow them to sidetrack you, just let them slip by and continue to focus on your positive thought or image. Stay in this state of quiet relaxation, breathing deeply for 15 minutes.
Exercise Two
A stress reducing technique that is easy and enjoyable is to take a relaxation bath before gong to bed. Make the water very warm and add a few drops of essential oil—lavender or geranium are very good, or find a combination oil that is specifically designed to relax the body and mind. Placing a cup of Epsom salts into your bath will give the additional benefit of softening the water and drawing toxins from your body (for more info on the benefits of putting epsom salts in your bath go to: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/health-benefits-of-epsom-salt-baths.html).
Soak for 15 to 30 minutes and let your mind be stilled from the day’s demands. Breathe deeply, and mentally place yourself in a situation of relaxation and beauty—on the beach, in a woodland, observing a sunset from a mountain peak, etc.—focus on your imaginary surroundings, and be aware of the gratitude you feel, and the relaxation you are enjoying in this positive, safe and peaceful place.
Soak for 15 to 30 minutes and let your mind be stilled from the day’s demands. Breathe deeply, and mentally place yourself in a situation of relaxation and beauty—on the beach, in a woodland, observing a sunset from a mountain peak, etc.—focus on your imaginary surroundings, and be aware of the gratitude you feel, and the relaxation you are enjoying in this positive, safe and peaceful place.
Exercise Three
In the A.M. take a cool bath while burning candles that are made with energizing essential oils such as bergamot, vetiver, lemon, pine, basil, rosemary or peppermint. Or, put essential oils into a diffuser in the bathroom while you bathe. Allow the scent from your candles or diffuser to flow through you. Take time to notice the smell and how it is affecting you. Allow it to energize and propel you to a place that is, in your mental vision, very high—a mountain top, a hill, flying silently in a glider—a place from which you can observe life from a new perspective of enthusiasm and appreciation.
Don't fall pray to negative thoughts or seeing the difficulties you may be facing just now. Look out at your life and see your blessings. Take time to count them and feel the joy they bring. Allow these images and feelings to remain with you throughout the day. If necessary, pause to momentarily revisit your mountain top (or other high place) from time to time during the day and allow it to reenergize your spirit.
Don't fall pray to negative thoughts or seeing the difficulties you may be facing just now. Look out at your life and see your blessings. Take time to count them and feel the joy they bring. Allow these images and feelings to remain with you throughout the day. If necessary, pause to momentarily revisit your mountain top (or other high place) from time to time during the day and allow it to reenergize your spirit.
Have a wonderful day!
- Oils for Focus: Rosemary, peppermint, clary sage
- Oils for Relaxation: Lavender, geranium, combination oils specifically labeled for quieting the mind and relaxing the body
- Oils for Energy: Bergamot, vetiver, lemon, pine, basil, rosemary, peppermint
TODAY'S GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT:
No Matter How Crazy Life Is, Every Day Take Care Of Yourself. Take Time To Be Still, To Reflect, To Relax A Little, To Pray. Breathe Deeply And Focus On The Good In Life.
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