How to Use Essential Oils for Stress Relief and Relaxation

13.September.2024

Stress is a daily companion for many of us, often leaving us feeling drained and anxious.

But did you know that natural remedies can be an excellent way to restore balance?

Essential oils are powerful tools that can help you unwind, reduce stress, and promote a restful night’s sleep.

At The Sleep Boss, we believe in creating mindful rituals that support your well-being. Incorporating aromatherapy into your daily routine is a gentle yet effective way to calm your mind and body.

In this guide, we’ll show you how essential oils work for stress relief and relaxation.

What Happens to Your Body After Using Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy works by activating the olfactory system, which directly impacts the brain's limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, memory, and mood regulation.

When you inhale essential oils, they trigger responses in your central nervous system, promoting relaxation and calming the mind. According to Very Well Mind, essential oils such as lavender and ylang-ylang are known to decrease cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, which can help ease anxiety and lower blood pressure.

As stress often leads to sleeplessness and mental fatigue, aromatherapy helps calm the nervous system by inducing a state of relaxation. Studies have shown that essential oils like lavender not only help improve sleep quality but also reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Essential oil inhalation triggers the release of hormones, including serotonin, which regulates mood and helps restore emotional balance.

By reducing stress and anxiety, aromatherapy offers a natural, non-invasive way to support mental health. Whether through inhalation or topical application during a massage, essential oils act as powerful tools to manage stress, soothe the mind, and enhance overall well-being.

The Undeniable Power of Stress Relief Essential Oils

The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare says that in 2020, more than half (59%) of the Australian population had experienced at least one stressful event in the past year. From adapting to a post-COVID lifestyle, money issues, career problems, health issues, and more – finding ways to cope has led to a rise in stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

The impact of stress on our mental and physical well-being can be profound. Aromatherapy, a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts, has been used for centuries to enhance relaxation, elevate mood, and promote mental clarity.

Certain essential oils, such as Ylang Ylang and Rose Geranium, have been shown to lower blood pressure, further aiding in stress reduction. When used correctly, essential oils can influence the limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, mood, and memory.

This is why they are such effective tools to reduce anxiety, promote calmness, and enhance your sleep quality.

The Best Essential Oils for Stress Relief & Relaxation

The Sleep Boss offers several expertly crafted blends and rollers designed to help you relax and de-stress, including:

Meditation Essential Oil Blend
Mindfulness Essential Oil Blend
Resilience Essential Oil Blend
Sleep Essential Oil Blend
Meditation Essential Oil Roller
Mindfulness Essential Oil Roller
Resilience Essential Oil Roller
Sleep Essential Oil Blend Roller

Let’s take a look at the top essential oils that make these products so powerful.

Jasmine

Jasmine essential oil has calming and uplifting properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies show that inhaling jasmine oil can boost mood and decrease negative emotions, and it is used effectively to promote relaxation and overall well-being.

Sandalwood West Indian

Sandalwood essential oil is known for its grounding and calming effect on the mind, with cultural significance in promoting tranquility and intellectual clarity. It is effective in reducing anxiety, with versatile application methods such as diffusion and topical use.

Orange Sweet Valencia

Sweet Orange essential oil is recognised for its ability to create a balanced mood. It is commonly used for stress relief and mental clarity, particularly in aromatherapy practices such as diffusing and blending with other oils to encourage relaxation and uplift energy.

Ylang Ylang

Known for its soothing properties, Ylang Ylang helps alleviate tension and promotes a sense of well-being. It is perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Marjoram

This essential oil is revered for its ability to relax both muscles and mind. Its gentle, comforting aroma is ideal for calming anxiety and stress.

Lavender French

Lavender essential oil is a classic when it comes to stress relief. Its calming properties help ease anxiety and promote deep relaxation, making it an essential part of any bedtime routine.

Patchouli

With its grounding and balancing qualities, Patchouli is often used to stabilise emotions and calm nervous tension.

Frankincense

This ancient oil is known for its ability to promote deep breathing and relaxation, making it ideal for meditation and mindfulness practices. Frankincense essential oil is also celebrated for its calming effects and grounding properties, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Additionally, it offers potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to lower stress levels, making it a valuable addition to various wellness practices.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood provides a comforting, warm scent that supports emotional balance and reduces stress. Perfect for meditation and yoga practices, this essential oil helps ground the body and mind.

How It Works – Guide to Using Essential Oils

There are many ways to incorporate essential oils into your life as a natural remedy for stress relief.

Here are some easy and effective methods:

Diffuser/Oil Burner

Add a few drops of your favourite blend, such as our Meditation Essential Oil Blend, into a diffuser. Let the soothing aroma fill your space, creating a calming atmosphere to relieve stress or for meditation.

Roller

Apply the essential oil roller to your pulse points (wrists, neck, or behind the ears). Our Sleep Essential Oil Roller is perfect for on-the-go stress relief.

Bath Time

Transform your bath into a relaxing oasis. Add a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath, or mix it with carrier oil, e.g. coconut oil, for a luxurious soak that soothes both body and mind.

Massage Therapy

Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil and use them during an aromatherapy massage to enhance relaxation and melt away tension.

Meditation

Incorporate essential oils like Cedarwood and Ylang Ylang during meditation to deepen your practice and help you focus on the present moment. Our Meditation Essential Oil Blend is ideal for these mindfulness practices.

Bedding

Spray or apply essential oils onto your pillow or bed linen to create a tranquil sleep environment. Our blends at The Sleep Boss are perfect for setting a calming bedtime mood.

For more information on how to use essential oils, read our article Finding Remedy in Rest - How to Use Essential Oil for Sleep + More Tips!