6 essential oils to help reduce stress and anxiety over the holidays

Essential oils can be a simple way we can improve our overall sense of well-being, de-stress and feel more relaxed. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to assist the body’s natural abilities to rest, recover and heal from stress and illness.

Most commonly used through smell or skin absorption, certain essential oils may contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain. Scents that are linked with positive or happy memories can also affect your mood positively, giving you a little boost. When used in combination with massage therapy, this can also help ease tension and boost circulation.

We share six essential oils that can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety over the festive period.  

Discover five ways you can use aromatherapy to promote relaxation and increase your sense of well-being.

Peppermint

Good for boosting your energy and promoting relaxation, peppermint can not only help you to feel calmer, but can be a wonderful winter scent. Spread holiday cheer and enjoy the relaxing scent of candy canes and cookies with peppermint oil.

Lavender

Known for its relaxing effects, lavender can help with insomnia, provide better quality sleep, as well as helping users to feel more relaxed and calm. Many report decreasing feelings of anxiety and depression when using lavender essential oils.

Pine

Get in the holiday mood early and make your home smell festive while boosting your metabolism with pine essential oil.

Citrus

Lemon, orange and yuzu citrus essential oils can soothe feelings of stress and anxiety. When inhaled, individuals have reported feeling less anxious. During the holidays, this can be a wonderful, warm pairing with cinnamon or clove.

Rosemary

Known for its soothing properties, rosemary can help soothe emotional and mental strain by decreasing hormones known to cause symptoms of stress.

Frankincense

Offering a variety of health benefits, frankincense has a number of therapeutic and healing properties that include relieving chronic stress and anxiety.

If you are considering seeing an aromatherapist, you may be asked about your goals and how you hope to benefit from aromatherapy during your initial consultation. Questions around your lifestyle, general health, and well-being may arise, along with general questions around your medical history so your aromatherapist can get a fuller picture of your health before starting.

Personalised treatment plans can include at home treatments and aromatherapy massages; with an average of around 10 sessions, though this can vary depending on individual needs.