Reduce Anxiety with Essential Oils

Anxiety. It's difficult for a day to go by without hearing or reading about a feeling that touches so many of us in one way or another. Anxiety is often described as a sense of apprehension and unease, sometimes accompanied by physical sensations such as a racing heart, sweating or tension.

It can also show up as a sinking feeling, a heavy weight on the chest, a tightness, racing thoughts or an overwhelming sense of dread. If you've felt it, you'll know.

What makes anxiety so personal is that it looks different for everyone, and there is no single one-size-fits-all picture of it.

A degree of anxiety is a normal part of being human, especially when we face a genuine challenge or threat. This built-in response is part of our natural 'fight-or-flight' wiring and has helped keep people safe for millennia.

It becomes harder to live with when those feelings turn up out of proportion to what is actually happening, when worry and nervousness arrive over very little, or nothing in particular.

Many people find that calming, sensory practices such as aromatherapy fit naturally into a wider self-care routine alongside any support from their doctor or therapist.

Types of Anxiety

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is an intense unease around interacting with others in social situations. The worry often stems from a fear of being judged, which can lead someone to withdraw rather than risk that perceived judgment.

Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

Post traumatic stress can develop in people who have experienced a shocking, frightening or dangerous event. It can persist for a long time, and the person may relive the emotional weight of the event when something 'triggers' the memory.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder is characterised by recurring anxious thoughts and fears that lead to repetitive behaviours. An overwhelming need for order, a fear of germs, or the urge to check whether a door is locked again and again are some of the ways it can show up.

Situational Anxiety

Anyone who has stood up to speak in front of a crowd for the first time has likely felt situational anxiety. This is the unease that arises in unfamiliar situations, such as a job interview, public speaking or waiting for an important result.

Everyday Stress

Stress can feel like part and parcel of modern life, and it is a close relative of low-level anxiety. Left unmanaged over time, it can take a toll on both body and mind, so building in moments of rest matters.

How to Use Essential Oils as Part of Your Routine

Many people find the simple act of pausing to breathe in a calming aroma a comforting part of winding down. The scents below are popular choices for relaxed, restful moments. There are lots of easy ways to enjoy them:

• Add a drop of a diluted blend to your pillow before bed.
• Create a blend and add it to a diffuser or oil burner.
• Dilute with a carrier oil and gently massage your neck, temples or the soles of your feet.
• Add a drop to a personal aroma inhaler and breathe in slowly.
• Blend a few drops into a carrier oil and add to your bath water.

Calming Essential Oils to Try

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the most popular and widely enjoyed essential oils for relaxation. Its soft, floral aroma is a classic bedtime companion and a lovely place to start if you are new to aromatherapy.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil

The gentle floral scent of Rose Geranium is uplifting and comforting, bringing a sense of softness and calm to a space.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil has a rich, warm, resinous aroma that many people find centring and quietly grounding, making it a beautiful choice for slow, mindful moments.

Safe Use

Essential oils are concentrated and should always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and never used neat. Patch test new blends, keep oils out of reach of children and pets, and avoid contact with the eyes. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, check with a qualified practitioner first.

*The information in this post does not constitute medical advice. Please speak to your doctor before changing or adjusting any prescribed medication, and seek professional support if anxiety is affecting your daily life.

FAQs

How do I use essential oils for a calming routine?

Popular ways include diffusing a blend, adding a diluted drop to your pillow, or breathing in from a personal inhaler. Keep oils diluted and out of reach of children and pets.

Which oils are most popular for relaxation?

Lavender, rose geranium and frankincense are firm favourites for relaxed, restful moments thanks to their soft, comforting aromas.

How much should I dilute oils for skin or bath use?

For the body, aim for around 2-3% in a carrier oil, and for the bath always blend oils into a carrier oil first rather than dropping them straight into the water.

Can aromatherapy replace professional support?

No. Aromatherapy can be a comforting part of a wider self-care routine, but it is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or therapist.

Are these oils safe during pregnancy?

Some oils are best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always check with a qualified practitioner before use at this time.