Holiday Aromatherapy: The Best Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Finding Calm During the Busy Holiday Season

The winter holidays are a joyful but often stressful time. Between shopping, parties, family gatherings, travel, finances, and more – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This year, make self-care a priority so you can fully enjoy the holidays.

Aromatherapy for Relaxation

Aromatherapy using essential oils is a simple way to ease anxiety and relax your body and mind. Certain scents can evoke positive memories, shift your mood, and reduce feelings of stress. Using an essential oil diffuser or creating custom scented products at home makes enjoying aromatherapy simple.

Best Oils for Holiday Stress Relief

Lavender – Soothes nerves and promotes sleep
Bergamot – Uplifts mood and reduces stress
Ylang Ylang – Relaxes both body and mind
Frankincense – Promotes feelings of peace
Sweet Orange – Energizes and improves mood

DIY Aromatherapy Holiday Gifts

Share the gift of relaxation with friends and family this season by making your own scented spa products. Not only are these great presents, making them yourself is a calming activity.

Soothing Bath Salts

Custom bath salts are easy to assemble. Simply mix Epsom or sea salts with a few drops of essential oils like lavender, sweet orange, or eucalyptus. Package the salts in jars or sachets tied with ribbon.

Uplifting Candles

Scented candles make wonderful gifts, but skip the synthetic fragrances in store-bought ones. Instead, find plain candles and personalize them with essential oils like bergamot, frankincense, or ylang ylang. Arrange several votive candles in a decorative box or basket for a pretty present.

Relaxing Pillow Sprays

Help others unwind with a pillow mist made with calming essential oils. Simply fill a spray bottle with water, add several drops of lavender, bergamot, or orange oil, then spritz onto pillows at bedtime. The scent cues relaxation while the moisture encourages sleeping.

Managing Holiday Expectations

Much of the stress that accompanies the holidays actually stems from pressures we put on ourselves – whether it’s hosting the perfect gathering, finding the hottest gifts, or trying to make the season picture-perfect. This year, focus on self-care and keeping things simple. You’ll not only reduce anxiety but have more energy to actually enjoy the holidays!

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential oils are best for relieving holiday stress?

The best essential oils for holiday stress relief are lavender, bergamot, ylang ylang, frankincense, and sweet orange. These oils soothe nerves, relax the body and mind, uplift mood, and promote feelings of peace.

How do I use essential oils to relieve stress?

You can use essential oils to relieve stress by diffusion, inhalation, massage, or topical application. Add oils like lavender or sweet orange to an oil diffuser, soak in an oil-infused bath, massage diluted oils into your neck and shoulders, or apply to pulse points.

What holiday DIY gifts can I make with essential oils?

Great holiday gifts you can make with essential oils include scented bath salts, customized candles, room and linen sprays, reed diffusers, body scrubs, and more. Simply add your preferred essential oil blends to the recipes.

How can I avoid holiday stress?

To avoid excessive holiday stress, practice self-care through exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. Set realistic expectations for the season and focus more on meaningful connections over perfectionism. Ask others for help when needed. Take time outs when stressed.

What essential oils promote sleep and relaxation?

The best essential oils for promoting sleep and relaxation are lavender, bergamot, clary sage, sweet marjoram, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and vetiver. Diffuse these oils before bedtime or add to baths, body lotions, or pillow sprays.