Balance is not Something you Find, It’s something that you Create – Jana Kingsford To improve our well-being, we need to nurture the whole person: the physical, the emotional, as well as the spiritual body. As we navigate our busy lives, we need to pay attention to the messages that our bodies are trying to tell us. Those headaches, upset stomachs or sleepless nights may be a clue that our lives are out of balance. If you are chronically stressed, whether from work, family commitments or school, the constant grind can wear you down, and it could lead to burnout. The Symptoms of Burnout are:
Chronic tiredness or fatigue (Not feeling rested after a nights sleep).
Emotional Exhaustion
Attitude Changes
Lacking Motivation
I know that I have said it before, but making time in your day self-care will go a long way to helping with chronic stress and burnout. Some things that you may want to try:
Slow down! Rest & relax as much as you can.
Try to make adjustments in your schedule that allow you some flexibility as well as some free time in your day.
If you just finished a big project at work or at school, take the time you need to regroup.Take a moment & take Breath…
Set boundaries. When it comes to your health, sometimes you need to say No.
Get the support “you” need from your friends and family. Now is not the time to isolate yourself.
Do something for fun, get in touch with your inner child. (There is a reason that adult coloring books are so popular)
And of course, you can use essential oils. Simply put, the sense of smell is the only one of the five senses that is linked directly to the limbic portion of the brain, which controls our emotions, as well as how our body responds to stress. Ways to Use Essential Oils:Inhalation: an easy way to use essential oil. Try a personal inhaler or put 1- 2 drops of essential oil on a tissue or a scent stick. Try Bergamot, Geranium, Grapefruit or Lemon… Aromatherapy Massage: Adding essential oils to your massage oil is a soothing way to improves circulation, helps with any pain or discomfort, as well as any stress that you are holding in your body. (Because you are applying massage oil to a large area of your body it is best to use a 1% dilution. or 6 drops of your choice of essential oils to 30 ml of carrier oil.) Diffusing: Add some uplifting & balancing essential oils to your diffuser, try Bergamot, Basil, Cedarwood, Lemon, Orange, Palmarosa, Rosemary and/or Spruce to name a few. Take the time for some self-examination. Look at your habits, what is your schedule like? Try to make time for a walk, or maybe disconnect from the internet after dinner a few times this week. Disconnecting, in this case, is a good thing. But I think the best thing that we can do for ourselves is to let go of the need to be perfect. Having such high standards for ourselves adds to our daily stress. Remember to be as kind to yourself as you are to everyone else in your life. And as always take baby steps…
My Blog is for general information only & is not meant to diagnose or replace medical advice. Essential Oils are for external use only & should always be diluted before topical use. My blog doesn't include all of the precautions or possible interactions that may occur.
References Battaglia, Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd ed. Brisbane: International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, 2004. Print. Davis, Patricia, Aromatherapy: An A-Z. London: Vermilion, 2005. Print. Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-being. Updated Edition London: Thorsons, 2002, 2014. Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood, and Emotion. Novato, CA: New World Library, 1996. Print. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201311/the-tell-tale-signs-burnout-do-you-have-themhttp://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/aromatherapy_for_burn_outhttp://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/preventing-burnout.htmhttp://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/aromatherapy-reduced-burnout-and-stresshttp://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/aromatherapy.htmhttp://www.suzannebovenizer.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils/the-limbic-system