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The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it can also be stressful, anxious, and overwhelming period. The pressure to meet expectations, buy gifts, and attend social gatherings can affect our mental and physical health.

This year, why not consciously try to have a more mindful festive season using essential oils? Mindfulness is about being present in the moment without judgement. It's about savouring the good times, letting go of the bad, and caring for yourself. Sounds pretty good to us!

Essential oils and aromatherapy are widely known to calm, relax and relieve stress when times get tough. In this guide, you’ll find a plethora of essential oils for stress, relaxation and anxiety to help support you through the festive period. 

 

Best Essential Oils For Stress & Anxiety: How to Have a Relaxing Festive Season

Harness the ancient wisdom of nature's healing touch with essential oils and concentrated extracts derived from plants that have stood the test of time for their therapeutic properties.

As we navigate the hustle and bustle of the festive season, the soothing embrace of essential oils can be a lifeline in managing stress and promoting relaxation. Delve into the treasure trove of these natural wonders, each offering a unique bouquet of benefits. Among the standouts for stress relief are essential oils renowned for their calming effects:

Lavender

Lavender is renowned for its remarkable stress-relieving properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy. The oil contains compounds that interact with the limbic system of the brain, which plays a key role in emotions and stress responses. When inhaled, the soothing aroma of lavender essential oil can have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety.

 

Chamomile

Chamomile essential oil is renowned for its calming and soothing properties, making it a valuable ally in alleviating stress and anxiety. The oil is derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant, and its therapeutic effects are attributed to the bioactive compound, Bisabolol, that has anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. 

 

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil, rich in linalool and with a delightful citrus aroma, offers a natural remedy for stress and anxiety by positively influencing neurotransmitters, promoting a sense of calm, and stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin.

 

Sandalwood

Sandalwood’s aromatic profile contributes to its stress-relieving properties. The rich, warm, and woody fragrance has a calming influence, making it a popular choice for meditation and relaxation practices. This essential oil also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may further contribute to a sense of physical and mental well-being.

Ylang-ylang 

Ylang-ylang is a floral essential oil that has a sweet and exotic aroma. It’s effective in addressing stress and anxiety due to its aromatic profile, rich in compounds like linalool and benzyl acetate, which act on the central nervous system to induce a calming effect, lower heart rate, and reduce cortisol levels, promotes relaxation and a sense of emotional balance.

 

How to Use Essential Oils for Stress and Relaxation

There are several ways to use essential oils for stress and relaxation. Here are a few ideas:

Diffuse essential oils into the air

Simply add water to the reservoir, following the manufacturer's guidelines, and leave space for a few drops of your chosen essential oil or blend. Typically, 3-5 drops are sufficient. Turn on the diffuser, allowing it to disperse a fine mist into the air. Experiment with different essential oil combinations to create a personalised aroma. Remember to clean the diffuser regularly to maintain its effectiveness. This simple and enjoyable process provides a convenient way to experience the therapeutic benefits of essential oils in your living space.

Add essential oils to bathwater

This is a luxurious way to unwind and de-stress. Add a few drops of essential oil to your bathwater and soak for 10-15 minutes.

Use essential oils in massage

Massage is a great way to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a carrier oil and massage it into your skin.

Apply essential oils topically

Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin, diluted with a carrier oil, Jojoba oil is recommended. This is a great way to target specific areas of tension, such as the temples or the back of the neck.

Other Tips for a More Mindful Festive Season:

In addition to using essential oils, there are a number of other things you can do to have a more mindful festive season:

1. Set realistic expectations

Don't try to do too much. Prioritise the activities that are most important to you and let go of the rest.

2. Be present in the moment

Don't get caught up in the past or the future. Focus on enjoying the present moment.

3. Practice gratitude

Take some time each day to appreciate the good things in your life.

4. Take care of yourself

Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.

5. Spend time with loved ones

Make time for the people who are most important to you.

6. It’s okay to say no

 It's okay to say no to things that you don't want to do.

7. Give back to others

Find ways to help others, such as volunteering or donating to charity.

The Best Essential Oils for A Stress Free Christmas From Baldwins

Baldwins is a leading supplier of high-quality essential oils and we are proud to stock and supply a huge range of gorgeous aromatherapy oils designed to help you unwind and relax this Christmas. So whether you are looking for ways to have more mindful holidays yourself or know a friend who would benefit, why not browse the full range today and discover essential oils that can help ensure your festive season is as smooth and stress-free as possible?