The holidays can be a difficult and stressful time of year for most adults. Essential oils can naturally help alleviate the stress and anxiety surrounding this season. Using a diffuser is one of the easiest ways to incorporate essential oils into your self care routine.
Diffusing oils like lavender, sweet orange, and bergamot is a great option for creating a relaxing environment to recharge in. Below are some of my favorite diffuser blends for stress relief. What better way to naturally calm your mind and body as you recoup to greet the new year!
These diffuser combinations are for my 120mL diffuser so adjust accordingly for your own. A good guideline is to start with 3 to 5 drops of oil per 100mL of water. It’s always easier to start on the lighter side and add more drops of essential oil if needed. Consider the size of the room you’re diffusing in and who will be in it.
Something to Keep in Mind: Diffusing essential oils is one of the safest ways to use them but always be cautious when diffusing around children, pets, and those with asthma or allergies.
Here are four of my favorite diffuser blends for stress relief:
2 Drops of Lavender, 2 Drops of Sweet Orange, and 1 Drop of Frankincense
With it’s universal properties, lavender may be the most well known of essential oils. Its sweet floral scent triggers a soothing sense of calm and relaxation, perfect for unwinding. In this blend, it pairs well with frankincense and sweet orange as both uplift mood. The frankincense serrata variety is especially helpful as an aromatic for clearing the mind.
2 Drops Bergamot and 2 Drops Cypress
This is a great combination for those looking for a more subtle relaxing scent than popular floral options. Bergamot has a warm citrus smell. It’s great for brightening mood and lifting spirits. This oil can also ease anxiety and provide mental clarity. Cypress with its herbaceous woody scent promotes emotional strength and soothes during times of grief or sadness.
2 Drops Lavender, 1 Drop Rosemary, and 1 Drop Peppermint
Peppermint and rosemary balance lavender’s sedative scent in this blend. Lavender helps the body unwind and these two oils stimulate alertness, memory, and focus while remaining soothing. Both promote respiratory health as well which is great during the cold season!
1 Drop Lavender, 1 Drop Clary Sage, and 1 Drop Bergamot
Clary sage has a strong but soothing aroma. It is known as a balancing oil for women’s health. In this blend lavender’s relaxing floral scent and bergamot’s uplifting citrus smell combine nicely to mellow the clary sage and create a calm atmosphere.
Synergy Blends:
I have a couple of synergy oils from Plant Therapy that I’ve tried for stress relief. One is called Relaxation and the other is Tranquil. Unfortunately they contain patchouli essential oil and that scent is overpowering to my nose. I think it’s more enjoyable to test out my own combinations of single oils.
Other Essential Oils that are Great for Stress Relief:
- patchouli (since you might have a different opinion on this oil)
- chamomile
- geranium
- sandalwood
- jasmine
- ylang ylang
- vetiver
- cedarwood
Other Recipes that Use These Essential Oils:
- I use lavender in my roller bottle recipes to aid sleep and to help seasonal allergies (along with peppermint).
- Clary sage is the main oil in a roller bottle recipe to alleviate menstrual cramps.
- Sweet orange and bergamot are used in my favorite diffuser combinations to purify the air. They’re also featured with peppermint and frankincense in my favorite diffuser blends for the holidays.
- I use lavender and rosemary in my husband’s beard oil. I combine both in my homemade shampoo to support hair growth and health. They are also two of the oils I add to my basic moisturizer.
- Peppermint is my favorite scent to add to my natural body wash. I also use it in several of my diffuser combinations for morning energy. Peppermint features in my roller bottle recipes for headaches and sinus relief too.
Essential Oil Resources:
Beginning with Essential Oils: A Basic Guide
Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
Do you diffuse essential oils? What are your favorite combinations for relieving stress?
