Finding Calm in the Middle of the Storm
I cannot help but notice that anxiety is thick in the air right now with all that is going on all around the world. I have written more extensively on anxiety and stress and their effects on our bodies, considering the times we are living in, this topic seems to be more relevant than ever before. We are witnessing disturbing signs and events: increasing conflicts, family members turning against each other, wars, rumors of wars, truth being replaced with deception, and a general sense of uncertainty. I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to remind us all that we do have the ultimate resource in addressing stress and worry: our Lord.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."— Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer is a powerful tool, but I also understand that in moments of high anxiety, many of us desire something more tangible—something we can do right now to ease our minds and bodies. This is where aromatherapy comes in, offering a natural, gentle support for emotional well-being. Essential oils have long been known to soothe anxious thoughts, reduce stress, and help us find calm in the midst of emotional chaos. They are tools that we can integrate into our daily routine to invite a sense of calm.
By breathing in certain aromas, we can calm the nervous system, and improve our mood. As the scent travels through our olfactory system, it directly impacts the limbic system—the part of our brain that controls emotions, memories, and even our ability to focus. In essence, aromatherapy can help us process anxiety more effectively.
Here are a few simple aromatherapy blends to help you find calm during difficult times:
Calming Inhaler
1 blank aromatherapy inhaler
6 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii) essential oil
4 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
2 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)essential oil
2 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil
Add essential oils to the wick of a personal inhaler, and be sure to securely snap the end cap in place. For children ages 5-10, cut the drops in half. Use whenever you need a moment of peace by simply inhaling deeply through each nostril. This blend is ideal for calming anxiety, improving mood and focus, and can even help you wind down before bedtime.
Grounding Diffuser Blend
3 drops cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil
2 drops copaiba balsam (Copaifera officinalis) essential oil
1 drop lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil
Instructions: Add the oils to your diffuser and allow the grounding, piney-resinous aroma to bring a sense of soothing and calm to your space. Perfect for unwinding after a busy day or when you feel frazzled.
Peaceful Roll-On Blend
6 drops frankincense (Boswellia carterii) essential oil
4 atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil
2 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
2 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil
10 ml carrier oil (jojoba, sweet almond, camellia, etc)
Combine the essential oils with the carrier oil in a 10 ml roller bottle. Apply to inner wrists, behind the ears and to the back of the neck when you feel anxious. Take a moment to inhale and enjoy the aroma from the inner wrists. This blend helps reduce anxiety while uplifting the mood.
Relaxing Massage Oil
1 oz (30ml) carrier oil of choice (jojoba, sweet almond, trauma oil, etc)
5 drops cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) essential oil
3 drops mandarin (Citrus reticulata) essential oil
2 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
Combine the essential oils with the carrier oil in a 1 oz glass bottle with a flip top or pump lid. Use as a massage oil to rub away tension in the feet, legs and back. If prefered, the essential oils can be added to an unscented lotion.
Restful Linen Spray
2 oz (60ml) glass spray bottle
1.5 oz (45ml) distilled water or lavender hydrosol
0.5 oz (15ml) high-proof grain alcohol (ie Everclear)
12 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil
4 drops lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil
2 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil
Add the essential oils and alcohol to spray bottle, swirl together, then top off with distilled water or hydrosol. Swirl well before each use to disperse the essential oil. Spritz around room before bedtime to support a restful night's sleep.
Aromatherapy is a wonderful practice to integrate into daily life. However, while these practical tools can help us manage anxiety, never forget that the greatest source of peace comes from God. The use of essential oils for emotional support can reduce anxiety and improve your overall mood, allowing us to experience a greater sense of calm. Ultimately, by holistically combining aromatherapy with a reliance on God, we allow truth and peace to flourish. The storms may rage all around us, but with faith and simple tools like aromatherapy, we can find stillness and joy.
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