Aromatherapy for Stress Relief at Work
Most people work a 40 hour week so we can estimate that we typically spend about 2,000 hours at work each year. And many people work even more than this. Yet we often don't take the time to ensure that our job setting is a pleasant place to be. Our jobs are often very stressful and stress is a known trigger for many common ailments and diseases. Many studies have been done on the relationship between job stress and a variety of ailments. Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach, headaches and disturbed relationships with family and friends are examples of stress related problems that are quick to develop.
Before you think about stress reduction, start by identifying the particular stresses in your work and the effect they have on you. What, specifically, is it about your work situation that makes you feel anxious, angry, frustrated, burned out, depressed, etc? Do you have a difficult boss or co-worker? Do you have too much work and not enough time to do it? When you come up with your list of stressors, address them one at a time.
Managing stress is a slow and measured process that should take place over time and not all at once. Take stock of the situation and make a note of the things that are causing you the most concern. Look at things that you can do, or ask for support that will ease the situation, no matter how small. Set some achievable goals towards removing the problem. Think back to some similar situations you have overcome and apply these lessons.
A common reaction to a stressful situation is to try to escape, at least temporarily, by taking a coffee break or a quick smoke. But this only adds to the toxins in your body and does not attempt to deal with the underlying causes. A more effective response is to confront the tasks that cause you stress. Develop healthy habits one day at a time. Take a short walk in the morning, eat regularly, take time over your meals, and keep in touch with your mind and body.
It can be very beneficial to change your own outlook and actions rather than trying to change others who you believe are the cause of your stress. No matter what the causes of your tension and stress are, there are many strategies you can use to help protect you against the ill effects of stress. We elaborate on a different strategy to relieve stress each month in this newsletter.
Implementing aromatherapy into your life can go a long way
in easing your stress as well as the stress levels of others around
you. One of the main attributes of pure essential oils is their
ability to relieve stress with immediate positive benefits. Because
of the emotional elements which are at play in stress-related
conditions, the choice of essential oils depends largely on the
causes of the problem and the temperment of each individual and
how they respond under pressure. Only use oils that appeal to
you. If you do not like the scent, it will not have the desired
effect.
There are many ways to bring aromatherapy into the workplace.
Diffusers heat essential oils and allows their molecules to be
released into the atmosphere. Inhaling different essential oils
can alter your mood, stimulate creativity, help concentration
and rid an area of airborne viruses and bacteria. Scenting your
office with Lavender essential oil is said to reduce computer
errors at least 25%.
If you have to work in an air conditioned or stuffy building,
using essential oils in a diffuser or spritzing a spritzer can
really clear the air. Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint and
Rosemary are all excellent for a quick pick me up. Try Chamomile,
Lavender, Orange or Sandalwood oil. All are thought to help combat
stress and tension. Here are a few more ideas to get you started.
If you can't use a diffuser at work, simply put a drop of essential oil on a tissue and keep with you to sniff whenever you need to.
Put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on the cardboard tube inside a roll of toilet paper to fragrance the bathroom at work.
Let scent be your calling card. Simply add your favorite essential oils to cotton balls and place your business cards and the cotton balls in a box with a lid. Keep tightly closed for at least 1 week.
Mix 5 drops of Lavender essential oil (or your favorite oil)
into about a
teaspoon of Jojoba or Almond oil. Dab on a cloth and wipe the
surfaces of your desk
and top of the computer. When the heat of the computer warms the
oil there is a
pleasant fresh fragrance wafting through the air.
There is help for your stress! Aromatherapy has been proven to be excellent for stress relief as well as increasing productivity and efficiency levels. The possibilities are only limited to your imagination.
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Please include bio when using this article. Susan Stewart is co-founder and partner of It's My Nature, a home based Aromatherapy business in Florence, Oregon. Providing dried herbs, essential oils and many unique products. Catering to the beginner with small sizes, recipes and an informative monthly newsletter. See It's My Nature's large, informative website at http://itsmynature.net or a catalog is available by calling 1-888-445-5051. |
If you are interested in this article you may be interested
in
other articles dealing with natural stress relief by this author.
Aromatherapy for Stress Relief at Work
Balance Your Life For Stress Relief
Using Your Intuition For Stress Relief
Ease the Stress with Aromatherapy Massage
Seasonal Affective Disorder and What You Can Do About It
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P.O. Box 3106 Florence, OR 97439 (888) 445-5051 |
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