Does the article title seem a little dramatic? I don't think so, here's why. Stress-related ailments account for 75-90% of all doctor's visits (WebMD, 2017). Stress hurts emotionally, physically, and spiritually: it's expensive, it can harm relationships, it can interfere with job performance, and it can make people very ill.
Perhaps the best way to combat stress is to avoid it, but can you really spend your life avoiding your family, your job, your bills, or your home? Probably not. So that leaves us with a couple of options: let it go until we make ourselves sick or, maybe a better option, manage and reduce our stress in healthy ways. We already know how valuable rest, exercise, and nutrition are to maintain healthy stress levels, so I won't bore you with discussing those options. Instead let's explore a couple things you might have not thought of before.
Aromatherapy
YES! Essential oils. I'm totally going there because I believe so many people still have no idea how powerful these little drops can be for supporting us. Citrus oils including Bergamot, Lemon, and Orange have been proven to boost mood (Komori, et al., 1995). Oils like Vetiver and Cedarwood have been proven to increase focus (Friedmann, n.d.). Oils like Valerian, Lavender, and Cedarwood are helpful for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Oils like Rosemary, Cypress, and Peppermint can help increase alertness and improve mental clarity. Sound fabulous? It is!! And this is just skimming the surface of the potential of essential oils.
Essential oils can be diffused or applied topically to the skin to support emotions. Use a cold-water diffuser, diffuser jewelry, or simply add a drop of your chosen oil(s) to your hands and rub together then cup over your mouth and nose to inhale. To use topically, I recommend applying to the back of neck, behind the ears, wrists, bottoms of feet, or Chakra. Some oils require dilution, and if you have sensitive skin or will be applying frequently, you will definitely need to dilute in a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, or extra virgin olive oil. Some people also like to make their own roller bottles for ease of application, and it also extends the life of your essential oil (think bigger bang for your buck). I recommend rollers with a stainless steel roller bottle, and I top off with fractionated coconut oil.
Let's recap...essential oils can do many things to help us maintain healthy stress levels including:
Boost mood
Increase focus
Promote relaxation
Increase alertness
Improve mental clarity
Now let's take a look at another excellent stress reduction option you might not be aware of.
Energy Healing
While there are several different modes for energy healing, they all have the same outcome: supporting the well-being of an individual by releasing stagnant, non-beneficial energy and replacing with more beneficial energy. My primary method for energy healing is pendulum dowsing. It is great because it's non-invasive, works very quickly, and has lasting results.
Another method I enjoy using is Reiki as it is well-known for relieving stress and promoting relaxation. According to Hartford Hospital in Connecticut (2019), Reiki can promote deep relaxation and help reduce anxiety, muscle tension and pain, and can also accelerate healing. It's no wonder 60 US hospitals have adopted Reiki as part of their patient care and hospice programs. Can you feel your stress levels decreasing just thinking about the beauty of energy healing?
A Dynamic Duo
Just Be is known for providing clients with wellness solutions including energy healing and aromatherapy. Unfortunately one of the biggest problems we face as individuals is being reactive instead of proactive. We wait until we're hurting or spiraling out of control before taking action to take care of ourselves. I would like to support you before you get to that point. You know the signs of being overly stressed like lacking sleep, making poor food choices, feeling agitated almost constantly, relying on substances to escape reality for a moment, the list goes on. But when do you have time for energy healing or aromatherapy? I hear you. That's why I am offering 15 minute "Aroma Healing" sessions for the busy people of the Billings area. I come to your office with my oils and energy healing powers so you can relax, regroup, and carry on with your day feeling recharged. It's the perfect way to spend your break - taking care of you. Individual and group options available. Check them out here.
For those outside of the Billings area and struggling to make time for energy healing, I do offer a recap of your session sent via voice memo to text or by email, you choose. I offer this convenience because fortunately energy does not know time and space boundaries as we do, and your well-being is too important to get pushed to the wayside because of time constraints.
Be love. Be light. Just Be.
Thanks for reading! What essential oils do you use to manage stress? Comment below.
About the Author: Serena James is a holistic healer and the author of Vibe Higher. She offers a variety of energy healing services and workshops to help individuals experience a life of love, abundance, and wellness as they were meant to.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any action you take as a result of this information is self-prescribed and your right to do so.
Sources: Komori https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8646568
Friedmann http://files.meetup.com/1481956/ADHD%20Research%20by%20Dr.%20Terry%20Friedmann.pdf
WebMD https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/effects-of-stress-on-your-body
Hartford Hospital https://hartfordhospital.org/services/integrative-medicine/departments-services/reiki-therapy
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