Stress:
The very process of the menopause transition puts our bodies under enormous stress. It is literally the withdrawal of oestrogen and other sex hormones. Add to that our crazy, non-stop lifestyles, there is no wonder our minds and bodies feel overwhelmed. This leads to constant elevated stress levels, which raises cortisol, our stress hormone. Cortisol needs insulin to perform its job, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels, which equals increased mid-section weight gain and potentially other health issues. And because Cortisol is our survival hormone, it suppresses the production of our sex hormones, as they are not considered necessary to survive. This can leave us with even lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone. The best thing we can do for our bodies through this transition is to get our stress levels under control.
We can do that by taking time out for ourselves, eating wholesome nutritious foods, exercising and generally putting ourselves first. After all we cannot deliver from an empty vessel.
Top essential oils for stress relief:
- Lavender: Helps to soothe the mind and body by melting away anxiety and tension. Promotes a restful night’s sleep.
- Frankincense: Helps to support the body’s systems including the nervous, digestive and immune systems. Promotes relaxation and calmness.
- Bergamot: Helps to reduce stress levels and dissolve anxious feelings. Uplifting for the mind and body.
- Orange: Helps to uplift and energise the mind and body. It is also helpful for digestive discomfort arising from stress.
- Clary sage: Supports relaxation and calmness in the mind and body. Helps to alleviate muscle tension.
- Peppermint: Refreshing properties, which will help to support relief from stress, depression and mental fatigue.
Recipes:
Morning Stress relief Diffuser blend:
- 100ml water
- 2 drops Orange essential oil
- 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Sleep promoting diffuser bend after a stressful day:
- 100ml water
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
- 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
Stressful situations Rollerball blend:
- 10ml rollerball bottle
- 10ml carrier oil
- 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Massage in to tense areas of the body. Alternatively, apply to pulse points and inhale.
Alternative Stressful situations Rollerball blend:
- 10ml rollerball bottle
- 10ml carrier oil
- 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops Orange essential oil
Add oils to rollerball bottle. Shake well. Apply to pulse points and inhale when you need an energy boost from stressful situations.
De-stress body lotion:
- 100ml unscented white lotion
- 20 drops Bergamot essential oil
- 15 drops Clary Sage essential oil
- 15 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
Blend essential oils with white lotion. Apply x2 times daily
De-stress Bath blend:
- 10ml carrier oil
- 2 drops Clary Sage essential oil
- 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops Lavender essential oil
Add essential oils to carrier oil and add to bathwater. Will help to promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep.
DISCLAIMER:
Essential oils are not safe for everyone, and should only be prescribed by a qualified and insured aromatherapist following a full consultation and patch testing. If you have any concerns or are on medication, then you should consult your medical practitioner prior to use.