Relax And Rest, Essential Oils For Sleep And Relaxation

120mph is no longer just the speed of a race car, it’s now the speed we all seem to be living our lives! Our lives have become so fast paced as the world continues to develop. There’s the main 9-5 hustle then the side hustle, you must schedule in time for self-care, make sure you’re eating well, oh and don't forget about your social calendar because you can’t neglect your friends. It’s no wonder many of us have sleeping issues with our busy lives and our eyes being glued to the bright blue screens of technology.

Essential oils came long before, I’m sure we’ve all found bottes upon bottles of potions in our mom’s medicine cabinet for bathroom drawers. Well, momma knows best because these essential oils are “essential” (get it!) if you’re struggling with sleeping and/or anxiety. We’ve rounded up the best oils to use for relaxation and sleep with ‘how to use’ ideas.

Scent can have a strong effect on the body and mind. Without getting too scientific your sense of smell is wired to the brain centers of memory and emotion. Particular smells can then trigger regions of the brain that control emotional reactions, explaining how essential oils work.

Lavender has a long association with relaxation and sleep as well as being a natural remedy for anxiety, depression and pain relief. This is due to its sedative effect.
 

Next up is Clary Sage with sleep inducing antioxidants you're sure to be catching those Z’s if you incorporate this oil into your night-time routine.Finally, Frankincense. With earth and woody scents this oil can reduce feelings of anxiety and stimulate the immune system (if you get a bottle that can be applied to the skin, voila! anti-aging).

There are various ways to use essential oils, here are our favourites. You can add a couple drops of your bath for a relaxing soak or use a diffuser so the scent can be diffused into your room, just be sure to read the instructions for the water to oil ratio to dilute the essential oil. Some oils can also be applied directly onto the skin, best applied on pressure points on the wrist or neck. Only do this though if your essential oil is prediluted, otherwise skin irritation can occur, the bottle instructions will tell you if you can apply it to the skin.

So pick up some potions, wind-down and de-stress for a good night's sleep. We know you probably need it.

For more ways to relax see this website.

Next Up, 5 Superfoods For A Better Sleep