Destress this holiday season

The holiday season approached quickly and without much notice in my realm. I went to a local retail store the other day and kept scratching my head wondering “why are there so many people here on a Thursday afternoon?” After initiating a conversation with a fellow line-stander, she said “well, it is the holiday season”. I nodded dismayingly.

It is that time of year, isn’t it? Thanksgiving is this week and the rest of the holiday season is right around the corner. Do you have a love/hate relationship with the holidays? I do. I like the warmth of family gatherings, the delicious meals, and finding just the right gift for a loved one. What I do not like is the increased traffic, hustle and bustle of the crowds, and that one particular relative that I love dearly but that manages to get on my nerves every single year. Can I get an “amen”?

If you are already feeling stressed, as I am, how about trying some aromatherapy? I found a cool presentation online by Dr. Diane Ames, an associate professor with Concordia University Wisconsin. You can check it out here: http://www.family.mcw.edu/thrive/Thrive2012PDF/Aromatherapy%20For%20Stress%20Anxiety%20Diane%20Ames%20DNP.pdf.

Dr. Ames states that aromatherapy can promote healing of the mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy uses highly concentrated essential oils that are distilled or extracted from plants. The theory is that inhaling these oils may produce a psychological or physiological response by affecting the part of the brain associated with learning, memory and emotions.

For stress reduction, aromatherapy can be inhaled, used topically with a carrier oil, or included in your bath. For inhalation therapy, place a couple of drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water, on a handkerchief or cotton ball, or in a diffuser. No other set up is required. Simply inhale the healing fragrance.

When using essential oils topically, they must be diluted. You will also want to do a patch test beforehand. For proper dilution, mix two to five drops of essential oil in one teaspoon of a vegetable based carrier oil. Also be aware that citrus oils can cause your skin to be photosensitive. Lastly, this may go without saying, but these potent oils are not for internal use.

To use this plant-based therapy in your bath or shower, simply sprinkle a few drops in the bathtub water or the bottom of your shower. Be careful not to use too much and do not use a carrier oil lest your shower or tub become slippery.

Which essential oils to try this holiday season? According to Dr. Ames, lavender essential oil helps calm the mind and heart. Bergamot relaxes. Frankincense quiets the mind and heals the spirit. Peppermint enhances concentration.  For general anxiety, try bergamot, ylang ylang, lavender, geranium or chamomile. You can also blend two or three of these oils to create your own unique scent.

Does anyone remember the “Calgon take me away” commercial? How about a “lavender take me away” moment this holiday season? Take a deep breath and relax in the healing potential of these delightful oils. Personally, I carry a spray bottle in my car that contains lavender, lemon and rosemary essential oils in an alcohol base, then when traffic or anything else gets on my nerves I give myself a little spritz and smile.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kelley Rawlsky has an M.S. in horticulture and is the director of Bringing People and Plants Together, an organization dedicated to bringing horticulture education and therapy to the community. For more information: PeopleAndPlantsTogether@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.