Feeling stress or anxiety from time to time is a normal part of life. Our natural fight or flight responses are activated through feelings of stress, and this can help us prepare for what’s to come.
However, when feeling anxious starts to affect our ability to manage situations or daily life, it can become a problem.
Stress or anxiety?
We often hear the terms stress and anxiety. So, what’s the difference?
Stress can be short or long-term and is a response to an external trigger, like that important interview, relationship worry, financial distress or moving house.
Anxiety tends to be longer term when a person feels anxious but without a current specific threat. Women are more likely than men to be affected, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 Australians experience anxiety. [1]
Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety are not uncommon, although the elderly are more likely to experience anxiety than depression. [2] The loss of independence felt when moving from a person’s own home into a care facility substantially increases the likelihood of anxiety. Known as ‘relocation stress’, this can cause problems both physically and in mental health. [3]
All age groups, however, may encounter issues which can contribute to higher levels of anxiety, for example, losing a partner, struggling with a disability or illness, work, life issues and general distress.
Is it anxiety?
Anxiety can manifest itself in various ways and not all are obvious, such as nausea and becoming tired easily. A person feeling anxious may show a range of symptoms, including:
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Raised heart rate
• Lowered concentration levels
• Body aches
• Being irritated easily
• Difficulty coping in new situations [4]
Understanding that someone is anxious, and the possible reasons behind this, will help to ensure the appropriate support is provided. It may also be necessary to access help through a healthcare professional.
Aromatherapy and anxiety
Using more natural products to treat ailments has become increasingly popular over the years, and the use of aromatherapy in managing stress and anxiety has been shown to be successful.
In an analysis of studies carried out on the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety, it was found that this type of therapy was beneficial and could make a significant difference. It also showed that a range of essential oils could be of benefit, including lavender and rose. [5] Other essential oils recommended for those experiencing stress and anxiety include geranium, sandalwood and frankincense.
Aromacare Massage and Body Oils
Being massaged can help us to relax, whether our stress or anxiety is more short-term – for example, an upcoming test – or a long-term concern. Studies have shown that massage can decrease our body’s level of cortisol – the main stress hormone – and improve our mood. [6]
Fusing this with the soothing power of our Massage and Body Oils would make the most of the massage experience. We encourage regular sessions to build the effectiveness of this therapy.
For relaxation and to soothe the mind, try our Calming Massage and Body Oil which contains Lavender, Rosewood and Sandalwood
To calm and balance the nervous system, try the Tranquility Massage and Body Oil which contains Pure Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender and Sandalwood essential oils.
Aromacare Essential Oils
Of course, being massaged may not always be a possibility. But you can still enjoy the benefits of Aromacare’s Essential Oils while managing stress and anxiety.
With Lavender, Rosewood and Sandalwood, the Calming blend will help to relax tension in the body and encourage peacefulness.
Combining Cedarwood, Frankincense, Rose Geranium, Lavender and Sandalwood, the Tranquility blend will help to improve sleep and provide general relaxation.
Aromacare Diffuser
With our range of beautiful diffusers, you will be able to savour every drop of the oil blend.
With its natural and stylish look, timer function and soft range of LED lights, the Woodlands Diffuser would make the perfect addition to any home or office.
Take time for yourself to just breathe and feel the healing power of essential oils.
We love hearing from you so contact us if you have questions about managing stress and anxiety using aromatherapy.
[1]Anxiety disorders | APS (psychology.org.au)
[2] Pinto C[Author] - Search Results - PubMed (nih.gov)
[3] Clinical practice guidelines for Geriatric Anxiety Disorders - PMC (nih.gov)
[4] Anxiety | Mental Health Foundation
[5] Effects of aromatherapy on anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - ScienceDirect
[6]Massage Therapy for Anxiety and Stress | Psychology Today New Zealand