Take a Bath

I found this image on Pinterest. Have you heard of Epsom salt baths? I've read a lot about them and supposedly they are a great way to rid your body of toxins, and lavender is very therapeutic! Baths can be a great way to practice mindfulness and relaxation. For this bath, make sure you are hydrated and able to go to sleep soon afterward. When your body detoxes, it can be very tiring. The only downside to this is that I can't do it in my dorm. I can't wait to visit home so I can try it out!

Picture from this link

What other essential oils could you put in your bath? Do you take baths regularly to reduce some of your stress?

Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

I'm on a little bit of an infographic kick here, but I found another one that I love. Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years as a way to reduce stress and relax. I use a diffuser to spread the essential oils around my room. Did you know you can buy a diffuser that plugs into your USB port? I need it. Did you notice several of these are the same as essential oils you can use on your body for stress relief? They really work!

Infographic from this link

Have you tried essential oils to reduce your stress? Let me know which ones you use!

5 Essential Oils for Stress Relief

I've been reading a lot about essential oils lately and I use them in some form or another every single day. Whether you think they're hippie, granola nonsense or not, they actually work! I read this post by The Paleo Mama discussing 5 essential oils you should be using to reduce stress and I wanted to share her tips with you. Click on the link to read more about buying and using essential oils. She uses doTerra oils, but you can buy similar blends from other suppliers! What I love about essential oils is that even as a college student, I can help heal my body with natural products like these. I would much rather put natural ingredients in my body than pay a lot of money for synthetic ingredients.

Photo from original post at The Paleo Mama

1. Lavender

Lavender has a calming, soothing effect on our bodies. When distilled through the air, it can create a peaceful environment. 

2. Frankincense

Frankincense is a healing oil. I use it every night in the blend I put on my face after cleansing. It has a comforting, relaxing aroma that can lift your mood and heighten your awareness. I'll write an entire post about Frankincense later!

3. Serenity Blend

This is a calming blend of Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Sweet Marjoram, Vanilla, and Ylang Ylang. This blend calms, eases tension, and helps one fall asleep.

4. Balancing Blend

This blend makes you feel balanced, grounded, and helps with mood problems. It is composed of Spruce, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, and Blue Chamomile. According to The Paleo Mama, 

"the oils in this blend are geared towards the central nervous system and is an excellent option to use when you are feeling stressed, confused, doubtful, anxious, or unsettled. This is an excellent oil to choose if you are dealing with unsettled emotions, temper problems, or mood swings."

5. Elevation Blend 

This blend is called doTerra's "joyful" blend because it helps with attention, depression, anxiety fatigue, hopelessness, and stress. It is made of Elemi, Lavandin, Lemon Myrtle, Melissa, Osmanthus, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, and Tangerine. 

How do you use essential oil blends to combat stress in your life? If you don't currently use them, what would you like to know more about essential oils?