So many folks experience Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD) to varying degrees. Some of us aren't diagnosed, but experience all kinds of symptoms that point in that direction, (exhaustion, glum, lethargy, depression, cabin fever, avoidance, overeating). I don't like to say “suffer from”, because language is powerful, and there's enough suffering in the world.
But, once you're in it, much like any other form of mental wellness challenge, we don’t feel like we can get out of it easily or without help.
The upside of SAD is that we know it’s coming. Winter is inevitable and we can prepare our mind and body for the shift, (instead of what most of us do..create anxiety and impending doom waiting for it.)
Our habits and rituals can add to our feeling of exhaustion and depression, just as wellness habits and rituals can help us avoid those sad SAD experiences altogether.
Most folks are fine until about November, and then it hits—total exhaustion no matter how long you slept for. Sometimes we have such low energy by mid-afternoon, we can't keep our heads up. We know we should exercise, but walking out of the building and into the dark just increases exhaustion.
Many of us gain weight around this time as well, because in the midst of all this the body is craving carbs in an attempt to get energized. Did you know that quieting the mind and moving slowly can help energize you without feeling like you're pushing yourself? Just knowing yoga and meditation can help us through these moments, can be a huge asset.
So let's get comfy with starting new habits and rituals that you can introduce or may already practice. And learn how to set intentions easily to keep the winter blues away.
1) Exercise for Happy Feels
Often the last thing you want to do when the weather gets cold is exercise, but keep working out. Any form of raising your heart rate for 30 minutes a day helps to ease depression and raises your vibration!
We release all the feel-good chemicals when we move our bodies; endorphins like serotonin and dopamine. The easy access depression armor.
2) Keep an Open Heart
Fill that heart chakra up! Sit quietly and visualize the space in your heart center filling up with green glowing light. Ask to be shown moments and memories where your heart felt full, or you experienced joy. Your first love, a child's laugh. Cultivating that deep sense of love can shine light in the dark, cold, dreary days of winter.
Take loving action. Surround yourself with people you love that lift you up. Listen to music that warms your soul. Go to yoga classes or jiu jitsu after work, even if you’re feeling a little tired. Some yoga poses, meditations, and sound baths are actually designed to aid in opening your heart chakra. They allow you to relax, feel revitalized, and take in the collective healing energy in the room.
And remember, you are not alone in your SAD struggles. When you attend holistic classes or even discussions online, you are with your tribe. Humans adapt to new behaviors easier in a group, find a group or start one and grow!
And even if you’re solo, I find a quiet space, even in my car and visual something that immediately brings me joy, like a memory of my child’s face when they were younger and immediately cracks my heart chakra wide open.
Using the heart charka blend can also help!
3) Sound is a Mood Lifter
Music is just one more thing that affects your senses. Listening to beach songs from last summer can remind you of the sun beating on your face. There are many modalities for sound healing for therapy, including guided meditations, singing bowl sound baths, and music and binaural beats.
Pro Tip/; For easing the symptoms of depression, listening to Binaural Beats with alpha, delta, or theta music can offer the following benefits: Deeply relaxed state, Improved mood, Improved motivation, Improved sleep cycle, Increased focus, Reduced anxiety
4) Meditate to Combat the SAD feels
Mediation is a beautiful way to center yourself. When life is stressful or your mind is racing, you can always turn to meditation. It’s also accessible to everyone because you can do it anywhere. All you need to do is find a quiet, comfortable space, close your eyes, and simply breathe. Check out Tara Brach and her Rain Meditation for a great start!
5) Practice Gratitude and Shift your Mindset
Having a morning and nighttime routine that’s dedicated to gratitude is an amazing way to boost your self-love. And all you need is a journal to start. When you wake up every morning and each night before you sleep, write down three things for which you’re grateful. It’s a beautiful way to honor yourself and your life. It’s a perfect time to say thank you to your body!
6) Surround Yourself with Joy
Wherever you spend your time, create an environment you absolutely love. Some of my favorite things to surround myself with are fresh flowers, art, pictures of people I love, salt lamps, essential oils, and inspiring books. It’s an act of self-love when you are in a comfortable environment full of the things that bring you joy. When you can smile by just looking around, you’re practicing self-love!
Start with one room, create a space, a little honey hole that is a reflection of your joy. You will see how your love grows!
7) Yoga and other Mindful Movement for Depression
Moving your body in a mindful way is much different than exercising or working out. Words are powerful. Working out can feel arduous or a chore. Mindful movements are healing and a gift of celebration to be in this soul vessel. Ask you body what it needs. Even walking the dog can be mindful. Enjoying the connection, looking at the sky, the flora and fauna, the present moment beauty.
Find a way to move that makes both your body and mind feel good. Maybe a hike or a bike ride? If you haven’t found your mindful movement of choice, keep looking, your body will thank you.
8) Plan a spiritual based getaway
Creating a practice of having a sun getaway in the winter can be a game changer. A healthy blast of vitamin D and the taste of freedom that comes with knowing we can get restful sleep is the respite we need to stay high vibe..
An even better idea, if your goal is to honor your highest self, is a wellness retreat. Boozie girls weekends are always fun, until you get home and feel worse than when you left. Taking a few days to eat clean, do daily meditations, hikes and yoga, get out in nature and have conversations focused on healing and rejuvenation will be life
We need to be good to ourselves through the autumn and winter months (duh, all year round). Do all the things we never have time to do when the weather is nice. Nourish our bodies with good foods, and spend time with people we deeply care about. Take part in some soul-nurturing groups/getaways throughout the season. Get outside, even if it’s damn cold. Move your body when it is too cold outside. Learn a new hobby and fall in love with it. Drink warm tea under a blanket.
These months aren’t always easy, but offering ourselves an extra dose of self-love can make a big difference in how we not only manage them but thrive in them!
By: Tara O'Brien]]>
We always want a Pinterest-perfect holiday and want every single thing to be special and memory-worthy….HAHAHAHAHAHA, we choose sanity this year. In honor of self-care, we are going to simplify our expectations and our holiday. Each person in our family picked ONE thing they really wanted to do this month and we voted on ONE activity (we picked seeing Christmas lights, making Christmas cookies, LOTS of crafting, and hosting a family Christmas party). We also got super honest about what could be accomplished as far as decorating/crafting/etc. and let some things go and kept it simple this year.
We are already seeing the benefits of this — we’re spending more quality family time together, we feel relaxed, and we are enjoying these activities to the fullest. You can start by cutting out one or two activities this year and see how it goes for your family.
Essential Oil Hack: Having an assortment of oils to deal with the normal stresses of the holidays is a smart move. We deal with stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, depression, burnout, among other things. Keeping them in reach and applied to your pressure points makes for a stress-less experience. Check out the kits here:
When the kids are out of school and we have to travel to see family, our routine goes right out the window. BUT that leads to some craziness. I’m talking about Wild Wild West craziness. In an effort to combat these changes, we try to stick to our normal routine as much as possible and be flexible when we can’t. We try to keep bedtimes the same because sleep is life. Without sleep, my children and I become little zombies with attitude and nobody needs that.
I make a concerted effort to keep our diet the same, allowing for the occasional treats at parties and family gatherings. This is right up there with getting enough sleep because I have a tendency to think that food needs to be over the top and scream HOLIDAY during this season, but it also screams “Intestinal Distress, Mood Swings, and Irritability!”
Essential Oil Hack: Do not stop your daily/weekly self care routines with your favorite oils. In fact add an extra self care routine to really treat yourself with kindness. Maybe use our Sleep Mist and Lotion to get everyone in a relaxed evening mood.
Days are shorter, so make sure you're getting outside, and letting in the light. I get up earlier with the day, open all the blinds/windows and let as much natural light in as possible. Getting dark early can feel like the day is taken right out from under you, so do what you can to take a walk, feel the air and capture the light.
If you’re in an office setting, try taking breaks outside. They make special lamps that are made for people with SAD that offer help as well — can be super helpful to keep the pep in your step!
Essential Oil Hack: if you don't already, treating your SAD essential oil containing bright tones of citrus and bergamot helps with depression. Its been proven to help raise your vibration and keep the seasonal effect away. Sunshine is perfect for this!
Family and social drama seem inevitable. With people you love and people you are still trying to just tolerate. There’s an air of anxiety brewing just under the surface of all the surface holiday conversations. Every family dynamic is unique, but often stress and anxiety feelings are similar. Try building in breaks into the day, step outside for fresh air and get a new perspective. Go to the bathroom, and take a breathwork moment. You can also find solace in the fact that it's temporary and infrequent, it’s only an uncomfortable situation for one day..
Grief also creeps in during this time of year. It still hurts. It’s nice to say a toast in their honor and focus on fond memories for those family members that didn’t get to meet them. And when you do feel that sadness, let it happen, instead of ignoring it, just don’t stay there.
Essential Oil Hack: There is no essential oil to make them disappear or whisk you away to a deserted island. BUT the De-Stress is a lifesaver when dealing with potentially stressful social situations and helps keep your holiday mental game on. The Calm mini is perfect for your pocket or purse and you can reapply on your bathroom breaks as needed.
Planning ahead wins! Some folks start buying small in January for the usual stocking stuffers and keeping bags for the following year. Most of us don’t live that life. So for the rest of us, it’s good to take a financial inventory mid-year, assess the rest of the year’s expenses, and work within that number reasonably.
Taking a new position on gifts helps. Less is more. Not buying everything on the list, managing expectations. Taking a trip in lieu of gifts. There are a lot of ways to focus on quality over quantity and stay within budget. Some years we spend as much on decor as we do gifts! Settle down, Karen. Just focus on what brings you joy and let the rest stay at Home Goods.
Most women bear the brunt of the holiday stress in terms of organizing, shopping, decorating, and planning. It can be overwhelming. Give yourself grace. Take an inventory of everyone’s favorite things and focus on those and then STOP.
Essential Oil Hack: Money stress is always based on fear. While there isn’t an oil that sprouts a money tree, focusing on giving, sharing and abundance is the best way to move through financial fear, generate gratitude, and manifest abundance in your life. Use the solar plexus chakra (yellow) roller ball to focus on abundance, and set your intentions.
- Tara Obrien
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Many of us have dealt with anxiety at one time or another, but 2020 has brought increased levels of stress and high levels of uncertainty, so there are likely very few that are unaffected. When our nervous system stays on high alert with no periods of proper rest, anxiety can increase.
To date, anxiety disorders are the most common struggle affecting 40 million adults in the US, or 18.1% of the population every year, and many go untreated (Facts & Statistics, 2020). Complementary therapies like aromatherapy can help. Here at 21 drops, we are as dedicated to your health and well-being as we are to maintaining transparency and safety. Here are our top 10 essential oils for stress and anxiety.
1. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Bergamot has a bright, citrusy aroma and is a superior essential oil to support our emotional well-being. It is an adaptogen, providing the user with balance and assistance adapting to life's stressors. A study published in 2015 showed that bergamot essential oil supports mental and physical fatigue by increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity (rest, digest, and restore) (Kuchta, 2015). If you feel tired and burnt out throughout the day, add bergamot essential oil to your wellness routine.
21drops blends using bergamot:
Sunshine Diffusing Oil
Cautions- According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), the maximum ratio for applying bergamot to the skin is 0.4%. The IFRA states that "The Standard is set due to the phototoxic effects of the material. The limit only applies to applications on skin exposed to sunshine, excluding rinse-off products (IFRA Bergamot, 2020).
2. Frankincense {Boswellia carterii}
Frankincense is a favorite essential oil for many novice users and experts alike. It has an affinity to calm and ground the user when feeling spacey and airy with an inability to focus. Although a different form of the botanical, Frankincense resin, as was mentioned in the Bible and the essential oil, is impactful to the user during meditation or other forms of energy work.
Blends using frankincense:
Brain Power Elixir
De-Stress Roll On
De-Stress Diffusing Oil
Naked De-Stress Roll On
Focus Roll On
Focus Diffusing Oil
Naked Focus Roll On
Cautions- There are no known safety considerations for this essential oil.
3. Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum sambac)
Jasmine Absolute has an exotic floral heady aroma that can positively affect our brains' GABA receptors, which is responsible for calming the central nervous system and soothing situational anxiety and depression (Hossain, 2004). The oil is uplifting while having aphrodisiac properties. Its aroma has the potential to carry you off to exotic places during guided meditation, leaving you Zenlike and refreshed.
Blends using jasmine:
Calm Mini Roll On
Passion Mini Roll On
Cautions- According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), the maximum ratio for applying jasmine absolute to the skin is 4% (Sonomascent, 2009).
4. Lavender(Lavandula angustifolia)
Are you feeling frazzled? This flowery essential oil is the most commonly used oil across the globe for its multitude of uses, and you may find it very beneficial to calm you when you need it the most. You can place a couple of drops of lavender in an oil diffuser and let the wonderful aroma transcend your home or office or apply to your skin adequately diluted to take the soothing effects with you on the go.
Blends using lavender:
De-Stress Roll On
De-Stress Diffusing Oil
Naked De-Stress Roll On
Headache Roll On
Headache Mini Roll On
Headache Diffusing Oil
Naked Headache Roll On
Immunity Mini Roll On
Naked Immunity Roll On
Caution- There are no known safety considerations for this essential oil.
5. Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
There is no other way to describe it; green mandarin essential oil smells divine, resembling sweet orange with a tart finish. If you require a healthy dose of optimism or struggle with discomfort and anxiety in social situations, give this oil a try. We feature green mandarin in our Sunshine diffusing oil. The blend will help to lighten your spirit in no time at all.
Blends using mandarin:
Sunshine Diffusing Oil
Caution-There are no known safety considerations for this essential oil.
6. Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini)
With its soft and rosy sweet aroma, palmarosa provides you support and balance during tumultuous moments in life. In her book, The Blossoming Heart, Robbi Zeck stated that the aroma of palmarosa opens the doorway of the heart to bring love and forgiveness to traumatic events (Zeck, 2004). I add palmarosa to my diffuser blend at night to help slow down my thoughts and welcome forgiveness for anything that may have gone wrong throughout the day. You can find palmarosa in our Sleep diffusing oil. Palmarosa, combined with sandalwood and ylang ylang, is sure to have you resting peacefully.
Blends using palmarosa:
Sleep Diffusing Oil
Sleep Mini Roll On
Organic Sleep Duo
Caution- There are no known safety considerations for this essential oil.
7. Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood has remained a favorite oil of mine throughout the years for its strong anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. The benefits of inhalation are sustained for a prolonged duration of time, as seen in a study published in 2013 from the Flavour and Fragrance Journal (Flavour and Frangrance Journal, 2013). This randomized controlled trial subjected mice to a stressor (in this case, caged loaded-water immersion) then given an aromatherapy treatment of inhaled sandalwood oil for 90 minutes, and the results spoke for themselves. The anxiolytic activity of sandalwood oil was sustained for 24 hours after the aromatherapy treatment.
Blends using sandalwood:
Passion Mini Roll On
Sleep Diffusing Oil
Sleep Mini Roll On
Organic Sleep Duo
Caution-Sandalwood is an oil that needs consideration from a sustainability standpoint. A little bit of this oil goes a long way; please use it responsibly.
8. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Look to sweet orange essential oil during times of situational anxiety and depression. Sweet orange has the potential to reverse melancholy moods and to relax the body and mind nearly instantaneously. Sweet orange blends well with just about any essential oil. In my most recent book, Emotional Healing with Essential Oils, I indicated that if tension goes to your stomach and has it tied in knots, sweet orange will be your ally (Moldenauer, 2019).
Blends using sweet orange:
Calm Mini Roll On
Sunshine Diffusing Oil
Caution- There are no known safety considerations for this essential oil.
9. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)
Vetiver is a prized essential oil by many that struggle with focus and an internal desire for perfectionism. Vetiver assists in restoring self-confidence and helps you to be gentle with yourself. Peter Holmes, in his book Aromatica, states that vetiver helps to balance hormones and assists with restoring our digestive system (Aromatica, 2016). If your stress results in digestive upset, reach for vetiver to provide support. Vetiver is a crucial component in our Calm roll on.
Blends using vetiver:
Calm Mini Roll On
Caution- There are no known safety considerations for this essential oil.
10. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Ylang ylang has a strong exotic floral aroma, and when artfully blended, provides the user an apparent calm that not many oils can produce. Its best uses are for nervous tension, fearful states, and situational depression (Hongratanaworakit, 2004). You can find ylang ylang in our De-Stress synergyalongside lavender and frankincense essential oil for a significant calming experience.
Blends using ylang ylang:
De-Stress Roll On
De-Stress Diffusing Oil
Naked De-Stress Roll On
Sleep Diffusing Oil
Sleep Mini Roll On
Organic Sleep Duo
Caution- According to Tisserand & Young, the maximum dilution ratio when applying ylang ylang to the skin is 0.8% (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
Aromatherapy can help us navigate difficulties in our lives that lead to excessive stress, worry, and anxiety. Research shows us their effectiveness in balancing the mind and body and restoring peace to the human spirit. We hope that our top 10 essential oils for stress and anxiety have provided a great starting point for utilizing these healing catalysts in your lives and those you love.
In the whirlwind of modern life, anxiety has become an all too familiar companion for many. While occasional stress is normal, the relentless pace of 2020 has left few untouched by its grip. As our nervous systems remain in a perpetual state of high alert, finding moments of respite becomes increasingly crucial to managing anxiety. According to Facts & Statistics (2020), anxiety disorders affect a staggering 40 million adults in the US annually, with many suffering in silence. However, amidst the chaos, complementary therapies like aromatherapy offer a glimmer of hope. At 21 Drops, we understand the importance of holistic well-being, which is why we're committed to providing transparent and safe solutions to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Enter the power of essential oils – nature's gift to soothe the mind and restore balance. Take, for instance, Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), with its invigorating citrus aroma that serves as a beacon of emotional stability. Research published in 2015 demonstrates its ability to combat mental and physical fatigue by enhancing the parasympathetic nervous system's activity, promoting relaxation and restoration (Kuchta, 2015). Similarly, Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) has long been revered for its grounding properties, offering solace to those feeling scattered or overwhelmed. Whether in the form of meditation or energy work, its calming influence transcends time and space, bringing tranquility to even the most chaotic of moments.
Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum sambac) enchants with its exotic floral scent, captivating the senses while soothing the soul. Known for its impact on GABA receptors, it acts as a gentle balm for the central nervous system, alleviating situational anxiety and depression (Hossain, 2004). Each oil in our carefully curated selection, from Lavender to Ylang Ylang, offers a unique pathway to serenity, guiding you on a journey of self-discovery and healing. So, as we navigate the complexities of life, let us turn to the wisdom of nature's bounty, finding solace in the embrace of essential oils and reclaiming our inner peace one drop at a time.
In the rush of daily life, it's no secret that anxiety has become a common struggle for many of us. Whether it's the weight of endless to-do lists or the uncertainty of the world around us, the stress of 2020 has certainly taken its toll. With our minds constantly on high alert, finding moments of peace has become more important than ever. According to recent statistics, anxiety disorders affect a staggering number of adults in the US every year – a number that continues to rise. But amidst the chaos, there's a glimmer of hope in the form of complementary therapies like aromatherapy. Here at 21 Drops, we're dedicated to your well-being, offering safe and transparent solutions to help ease your stress and anxiety.
Enter the magic of essential oils – nature's way of bringing calm to our chaotic lives. Take Bergamot, for example. Its fresh, citrusy scent is like a breath of fresh air, offering a sense of stability in even the most turbulent times. And then there's Frankincense, a timeless favorite known for its grounding properties. Whether you're feeling scattered or overwhelmed, this soothing oil has a way of bringing peace to even the busiest mind. And who could forget Jasmine Absolute? With its exotic floral aroma, it's like a warm hug for your senses, easing away tension and worries with every inhale. Each oil in our carefully curated collection offers its own unique blend of comfort and healing, guiding you on a journey towards inner peace and self-discovery. So, as we navigate life's ups and downs, let's not forget to take a moment for ourselves – to breathe, to relax, and to find solace in the simple joys of nature's purest scents.
References
E, L., E, L., 12, G., & 12, L. (2009, April 12). A Note on Jasmine and IFRA. Retrieved September 08, 2020, from https://sonomascent.wordpress.com/2009/04/11/a-note-on-jasmine/
Facts & Statistics. (2020). Retrieved September 08, 2020, from https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
Holmes, Peter, and Mimi Camp. Aromatica - a Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Volume 1: Princ. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2016. P. 353-61
Hongratanaworakit, T., & Buchbauer, G. (2004). Evaluation of the Harmonizing Effect of Ylang-Ylang Oil on Humans after Inhalation. Planta Medica,70(7), 632-636. doi:10.1055/s-2004-827186
Hossain, S. J., Aoshima, H., Koda, H., & Kiso, Y. (2004). Fragrances in Oolong Tea That Enhance the Response of GABAA Receptors. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry,68(9), 1842-1848. doi:10.1271/bbb.68.1842
IFRA Standard, Bergamot oil expressed. https://ifrafragrance.org/standards/IFRA_STD48_0164.pdf
Moldenauer, L. (2019). Emotional healing with essential oils: Relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and mood imbalances naturally. Emeryville, CA: Rockridge Press.
Satou, T., Miyagawa, M., Seimiya, H., Yamada, H., Hasegawa, T., & Koike, K. (2013). Prolonged anxiolytic-like activity of sandalwood (Santalum albumL.) oil in stress-loaded mice. Flavour and Fragrance Journal,29(1), 35-38. doi:10.1002/ffj.3176
Tisserand R., Young R., Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals-, 2e, Churchill Livingstone; 2 edition (November 6, 2013) p. 477
Watanabe, E., Kuchta, K., Kimura, M., Rauwald, H. W., Kamei, T., & Imanishi, J. (2015). Effects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia(Risso) Wright & Arn.) Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States, Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in 41 Healthy Females. Complementary Medicine Research,22(1), 43-49. doi:10.1159/000380989
Zeck, R. (2004). The blossoming heart: Aromatherapy for healing and transformation. East Ivanhoe, Victoria: Aroma Tours.
In today’s world, it is more vital than ever that we prioritize and find the time to relax- and essential oils can help us.
Essential oils contain volatile organic compounds (compounds that can vaporize and become a gas.) These gases exert an effect when they penetrate the body not unlike prescription drugs do, either entering through the skin or nerves in your nose. Inhaling essential oils does cause a reaction in the brain, and there is evidence to back up the assertion that certain oils can have a calming effect; one 2005 study found that test subjects who were exposed to lavender oil experienced an increase in deep, slow-wave sleep (1).
This is because our sense of smell is controlled by the olfactory (nose) nerve, which connects to the temporal lobe in the brain. The temporal lobe contains the hippocampus and the amygdala. The hippocampus plays a role in the memory of past experiences, and the amygdala is the emotional center of the brain.
This means that when you inhale these molecules, they shoot right into the emotional part of your brain! This is why inhaling gases and fumes (good or bad) is so significant. Inhaling things is a faster route to affecting the brain than eating something, because when something is eaten it must be digested before it can enter the bloodstream, and then the brain.
This effect on the emotional part of the brain means that when people smell essential oils, their emotional state is altered; different oils can make people feel happy, peaceful, content, and excited. Aside from emotions, this part of the brain has direct connections with the parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, breathing, memory, and balance of hormones.
Popular methods of inhaling essential oils to help get a good night's sleep include putting a few drops on a cotton ball or in a bath, or spraying a pillow, or diffusing the oil with an essential oil diffuser. When putting essential oil directly on the skin, it is important that the oil be diluted, otherwise it may be irritating. In this case, it’s best to use a roll-on essential oil that includes a carrier oil like jojoba oil.
Here we’ve outlined the top 3 essential oils to help you relax and reduce stress and anxiety- all while smelling good!
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils, and for good reason. It’s a rock star of relaxation, and the scent alone can calm down the nervous system. Lavender oil has traditionally been used for its therapeutic and curative properties for thousands of years.
According to the NIH in 2013, a study was conducted whereby thirty-six patients admitted to an intensive care unit reduce their anxiety and moodiness regarding their stressful circumstances by using the lavender oil (2). The same results were found for fourteen female patients who were being treated from chronic hemodialysis (a procedure for kidney failure.) Lavender improved a host of symptoms like insomnia, restlessness, and somatic complaints, as well as their overall wellbeing.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang, an essence extracted from the Indonesian Cananga tree, can reduce heart rate, improve your mood, and promote internal feelings of comfort and relaxation. It’s sedating effects lowers blood pressure and makes it a powerful and healthy addition to a de-stressing routine.It’s an important oil to try if you need to balance and improve emotional health!
Frankincense
Frankincense is great for treating anxiety- and depression as well. It provides calm and tranquility, but is energizing rather than draining. It is often used for meditation and can help with spiritual grounding. because it provides a calming and tranquil energy as well as spiritual grounding. Frankincense deepens meditation and quiets the mind.
Mixed with bergamot and lavender oils in a 1:1 ratio in an aroma hand massage, frankincense was found to have a positive effect on pain and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer in a Keimyung University study in Korea (3).
Anxiety and stress are an everyday part of life for a great number of people; relieving stress the natural way is often a great option for a lot of people. With these three essential oils, you can easily adjust your mood and stay healthy- and of course, smell good!
]]>On March 15, I was woken up at 3 AM by 15 phone calls from friends and family telling me to come home from my study abroad program due to the spreading pandemic. The morning was filled with panic as I rushed to pack up all of my belongings. In just one hour, I was on a 7 AM flight from the sunny coast in the south of France back to the cold and rainy weather of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ever since landing back in the states, my daily routine hasn’t been the same.
So, if you feel unsure, uncertain, or disconnected from a life in quarantine, we promise you you’re not alone. Living through the pandemic has manifested unprecedented chaos. It has changed the way we go about even the most mundane daily tasks. Our homes are now also our offices, social gatherings are held through Facetime and Zoom, and venturing outside requires wearing a mask and maintaining a social distance.
However, despite the drastic change that quarantine has brought upon us, we must remember to take care of ourselves. Having a self-care routine is important not just to present ourselves well to others, but more importantly to feel like the best version of ourselves. Especially in this time of uncertainty, feeling in control and confident with this new reality is crucial. Essential oils are a great way to combat the multitude of challenges that quarantine has brought upon us. Whether you struggle with dealing with stress from the ongoing changes in your life, maintaining focus whilst working from home, or finding space to breathe under your mask, there are essential oils that can better your quarantine experience.
Quarantine Anxiety is Real
One of the biggest impacts of quarantine life is a newfound sense of anxiety. Anxious feelings are your body’s physiological reaction to stress. We recommend using De-Stress essential oil blend if you are looking for a way to uplift your mood and calm your anxiety during quarantine. This blend, made with jojoba oil, lavender, frankincense, and ylang ylang is carefully crafted with sustainable, scientifically researched ingredients to quiet the mind, reduce anxiousness and soothe nerves. Packaged in a roll-on design, it is perfect for keeping in your purse, car, or on your nightstand to use any time you experience unwanted anxiety or stress.
Using aromatherapy and essential oils is a natural, holistic way to minimize your worries and lift feelings of joy. According to trials conducted by pharmaceutical researchers Benjamin J. Malcolm and Kimberly Tallian, essential oils such as lavender can produce a calming, soothing effect due to the strong connection between our sense of smell and the limbic system in the brain, which is associated with emotion and memory (1). Additionally, lavender has no sedative or dependency effect, making it a perfect solution to treat your quarantine anxiety in a healthy, natural way. Frankincense is another essential oil that has been used in Eastern medicine for centuries, due to its many therapeutic properties. According to research, the resin oil found in Frankincense can produce anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and tranquilizing effects on the brain and body (3). We firmly believe in utilizing scientifically backed research to create the most effective and safe oil blends for you, as we understand that anxiety and stress can drastically interrupt our daily lives. With the new stress of quarantine evoking even more anxiousness in many of us, essential oils are an excellent way to relieve these worries and continue on with our days.
Refresh and Refocus Your Work Life
Another change in our daily lives is that many of us are working exclusively from home. If you have found yourself being constantly distracted or struggling to begin work, essential oils may be the perfect jumpstart for your workweek. Luckily, there are essential oils that can help us to re-center our minds and work more productively at home. In our “Focus” blend, ingredients such as Frankincense, Peppermint, and Rosemary are purposefully made to induce senses of clarity, reduce fogginess, and invigorating the mind.
Peppermint is a scent that we are all familiar with. Whether we are using it to refresh our breath after a delicious meal or decorating our home with candy canes for the holidays, peppermint is a memorable aroma to all of us. However, peppermint also works wonders for stimulating and refreshing our minds. Research shows that peppermint produces positive cognitive effects on the brain, enhancing our memory, and raising alertness (2). Rosemary oil also encourages focus and increases mental clarity. In a research trial testing the impact of rosemary oil on mood and activity, scientists found that individuals who received inhalation treatment of rosemary oil experienced higher levels of activity and reported feeling “fresher”. The use of peppermint, rosemary and other stimulating oils in our Focus blend are crafted to awaken and improve your work life in quarantine.
Breathe Easy, even with a Mask
Throughout this pandemic, we have also found a new sense of importance in terms of health and wellness. There is a greater emphasis on protecting our immune systems. Wearing a mask in public is a huge part of protecting the safety of not only ourselves but also those around us. So if you have taken on the responsibility of wearing a mask in public areas, we thank you for helping to keep our world safe.
While masks may not be our favorite accessory, there is a way to utilize essential oils to create a more comfortable, enjoyable breathing experience. By simply applying an essential oil blend under your nose before wearing your mask, you can enhance the smell under your mask and improve respiratory function. Our Breathe blend is formulated with ingredients such as Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, and Ravintsara, which are all geared towards easing coughs and congestion, ridding respiratory build-up, and boosting immunity! Using this essential oil blend to achieve clearer breathing and alleviate any congestion is a great way to enhance the experience of wearing a mask. So while quarantine has created a vast change in what we wear when we go outside, essential oils can make practicing safe and healthy social distancing more enjoyable. Also check out our article, What's under your mask?
Try Essential Oils to Enhance Your Quarantine
Quarantine life has been filled with times of uncertainty and change. It has most definitely altered the way we view our daily routines. However, it is also an opportunity to reevaluate your self-care routine. Taking care of ourselves is crucial in helping us to feel more centered and calm amidst the everyday challenges of the pandemic. Although there may be many times when we feel completely out of control, there are still places in our lives where we can regain that control. Essential oils are a simple, easy-to-use and effective solution for issues such as anxiety, lack of focus, and breathing problems. At 21 drops, we see and acknowledge that everyone’s quarantine experience is unique and we are committed to providing you with a healthy, natural, and scientifically-backed way to take back control of our minds and bodies.
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