Balancing Your Mood With Aromatherapy
The stresses of everyday life can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious and exhausted. To help balance your mind and mood, there are several thing you can put into practice to reduce and improve your general sense of well-being. These involve a combination of physical, mental, and emotional strategies.
We’ve put together some tips below to help maintain a balanced mood.
Physical Strategies
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid excessive sugar and caffeine.
- Get Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep routine and create a restful environment.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can affect your energy levels and mood.
Mental Strategies
- Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness or meditation practices to stay present and reduce stress.
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate small achievements.
- Learn Stress Management Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization can help manage stress.
Emotional Strategies
- Connect with Others: Spend time with friends and family. Social support is crucial for emotional well-being.
- Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Express Your Feelings: Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Writing in a journal can also be a helpful outlet.
Cognitive Strategies
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Practice cognitive restructuring by identifying and challenging irrational or negative thoughts.
- Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal and write down things you’re thankful for each day. This can shift your focus to positive aspects of your life.
Environmental Strategies
- Create a Positive Environment: Surround yourself with positivity, whether through uplifting music, inspirational quotes, or a tidy living space.
- Limit Exposure to Negative Media: Be mindful of the amount of news and social media you consume, especially if it contributes to anxiety or negativity.
Self-Care Strategies
- Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and set limits to avoid overcommitting yourself.
- Take Breaks: Allow yourself regular breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge.
Mood Balancing With Aromatherapy
Mood balancing aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils and aromatic compounds to help regulate and improve emotional well-being. Various essential oils are known for their specific effects on mood, and they can be used individually or in blends to address different emotional states. Here are some popular essential oils and their mood-balancing properties:
- Lavender: Known for its calming and relaxing effects, lavender is often used to reduce anxiety, stress, and promote better sleep.
- Bergamot: This citrus oil is uplifting and can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is often used to promote a sense of joy and energy.
- Ylang Ylang: With its sweet and floral scent, ylang ylang can help reduce stress and tension, and promote a feeling of calm and relaxation.
- Peppermint: Known for its invigorating properties, peppermint can help increase alertness and concentration, making it useful for combating fatigue and mental exhaustion.
- Frankincense: Often used in meditation practices, frankincense can help promote a sense of peace and grounding. It is also beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety.
- Rose: Rose oil is known for its comforting and heart-opening properties. It can help lift the spirits and is often used to address sadness and grief.
- Chamomile: both Roman and German versions are known for their soothing effects, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Clary Sage: This essential oil is known for its ability to reduce stress and balance emotions. It is often used to alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause.
Methods of Use
- Diffusion: Using an essential oil diffuser to disperse the oils into the air can create a calming or uplifting environment.
- Inhalation: Simply inhaling the scent from a few drops on a tissue can offer quick relief.
- Baths: Adding a few drops of essential oil to a warm bath can help relax both the mind and body. Always use a bath dispersant.
Mood Balancing Blend:
2 x drops Geranium
1 x drop Peppermint
2 x drops Patchouli
2 x drops Madarin
