Traditionally, it was believed that a higher rate of depression and even suicide occurred around the holidays. Research reports that suicide rates do not increase during the holidays. However, it has been observed that higher rates of stress and fatigue can bring about some similar symptoms of depression. Don’t let winter blues sabotage your holiday fun. Aromatherapy is one way to minimize the stressful effects of the holiday season and you may already enjoy some of the more popular scents.
Many effective scents are already found in many lotions, shampoos, and lip balms. You can also make your own blends by adding a few drops to a carrier oil base or unscented lotion. Simply add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to approximately 12 ounces of your favorite oil or lotion. Olive oil and almond oil are popular choices, but any quality oil can be used. Essential oils can also be added to shampoos, conditioners, shower gels and bubble bath..
Feeling tired from late night gift wrapping or cooking baking? Peppermint is one of the widely used scents for uplifting the spirits and energizing tired muscles. Enjoy a candy cane or a cup of peppermint tea. After a too-big meal, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of quelling an upset stomach.
Make some Gingerbread cookies and enjoy the energy burst Ginger can offer. Many of the popular holiday scents are known for their feel good qualities. Research has shown that the scents associated with pumpkin pie can bring about an instant feeling of well-being. Ginger, clove, cinnamon, and allspice all offer a warm feeling of coziness. Many admit the scents bring back positive childhood memories.
Vanilla is another feel-good scent invoking memories of yummy cookies. Some research has even shown that vanilla decreases appetite for sweets. The yummy scent offers the same feeling of having eaten a tasty treat.
Rosemary is a helpful winter scent. The invigorating scent can give you the extra pep needed to finish holiday shopping. The essential oil added to lotion or oil also offers nourishment to dry winter skin. Rosemary has also been used to help aid in digestive problems. When making holiday bread, throw in some fresh Rosemary.
Lavender, another wintery scent, is becoming very popular and is found in your favorite toiletries, candles, and dish washing soap. Lavender helps ease tension, get rid of headaches, and relaxes a heavily fatigued body. Lavender’s menthol qualities, like Rosemary and Peppermint, help clear congested sinuses.
Don’t let holiday stress bring about the winter blues. Fight the fatigue and sadness with holiday scents. Take a moment to enjoy some peppermint tea, eat a chocolate chip cookie, enjoy a vanilla bubble bath, or bake your self a loaf of fresh baked Rosemary bread. You have earned it.
Give aromatherapy a try with this great starter kit.
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