No matter who you are, sometimes, you’re just going to have a bad day! When I am feeling down and out, the first step is, of course, to be aware of the way that I am feeling. Then, I try my best to take whatever steps I can to slowly shift my mood, change my feelings, etc., no matter how small those steps might be. One simple technique that I often like to employ to assist me in making this shift in my mood is the use of essential oils, which is also known as aromatherapy.
Essential oils are different from perfumes, air fresheners, fragrance oils, etc. Essential oils are natural, pure, and chemical-free. They are obtained from a wide assortment of plants and plant parts, including the flowers, fruit, bark, and roots of many plants. These plant parts are usually steam distilled or cold-pressed to produce the essential oils.
Many people believe that the use of essential oils can help heal a wide variety of ailments, including the easing of aches and pains. Aromatherapy also acts directly on the central nervous system, which can help with relieving depression and anxiety, shifting your mood, reducing stress, and restoring both physical and emotional wellbeing.
There are many companies that you can buy essential oils from, and they are also often sold in local grocery store chains like Whole Foods, EarthFare, etc. When I buy essential oils, I usually get the Aura Cacia brand, which is less expensive than other brands, but still produces good results. You can also buy essential oils online.
There are many ways to use essential oils, but one of the simplest ways to get the benefits of essential oils is to burn them in a diffuser. You can almost always find a diffuser in the same places that you buy the essential oils. You can choose to buy an electric diffuser or vaporizer, or you can go with a diffuser that uses the heat from a candle to diffuse the essential oils into the air. My diffuser uses a tealight candle. If you decide to buy a candle diffuser, I would recommend going with a metal diffuser if you can find one. Many of the diffusers you can find in stores are made at least partially of glass, and they generally crack over time due to the heat that they are subjected to.
Another tip for using a candle diffuser is to fill the oil bowl with some water before adding the essential oils to the bowl. This will allow you to enjoy your essential oils for a longer period of time.
You can buy essential oils to help create different moods. One of my favorite essential oils to buy is lavender, which helps to calm and relax the nervous system. I also really like to use clary sage for times when I am feeling emotionally out of balance. Juniper berry oil can help to energize you , and orange oil can help to brighten your disposition. There really is a wide variety of essential oils to experiment with to create the mood shift that you want!
Sources: Personal experience, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Valerie Ann Worwood
