With the Holiday Season fast approaching, it is easy to get caught up in the frenzy of getting everything done; Being so busy, that you haven’t even thought about how you are feeling.
Some people really enjoy the holidays, while others find that the season isn’t so “Merry” and they are just trying to Make it thru December. It is important to be kind to yourself, allow yourself to feel your emotions, and most of all, not to judge them.
Self-care is essential at this busy time of year. You may need a few strategies as you navigate this special, but sometimes stressful holiday season. A few things to try are:
lighten or create some flexibility in your schedule to allow for some down or alone time, so you can relax, unwind & breathe…
Only do things that are meaningful to you
Saying No when you need to
Find yourself a support system, someone you can talk to, like a friend, a family member or maybe a qualified counselor or therapist
Find small ways to make yourself feel nurtured, take a nap, light a candle, put on some music (Or not) maybe diffuse some essential oils.
Essential Oils have many different properties. Some are uplifting while other essential oils are more calming. If you are just trying to get through the holidays, try diffusing some of the following essential oils; they may be helpful if you are feeling:
Anger: try Clary Sage, Lavender, Lemon, Patchouli or Rosemary.
Anxiety: try Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Mandarin, or Sweet Basil.
Grief: try Bergamot, Cypress, Frankincense, Lemon, Neroli, Rose or Vetiver.
Irritability: try Clary Sage, Chamomile (Roman), Cypress, Lemongrass or Sweet Orange.
Sadness: try Cypress, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Sweet Marjoram, or Rose
This year I am taking my own advice, and I am adjusting my schedule to make time for some things that I “WANT” to do. I am:
making time for friends (although this year it may be chatting on FaceTime or Zoom).
limiting extra shifts at work, (Sounds simple, right? Not if you are a recovering people pleaser).
Getting some extra rest.
Taking some time off from Aromatherapy. (My nose needs a break)
And I’ll be snuggling with my cat, on the couch, drinking Chai Tea and watching some of my favorite Christmas shows. (like “The 12 days of Krampas” from Season 3 of Grimm).
But mostly, I will be finding moments for self-care and continueing to make the small changes in my day to day routine that will make the most difference in how I am are feeling…
Wishing you many moments of Self-Care & an Aromatic Holiday Season…
My Blog is for information only & is not meant to diagnose
or replace medical advice.
***If you think that you are suffering from depression or anxiety, please consider seeing a medical professional
References:
Battaglia Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Falsetto, Sharon. Authentic Aromatherapy, Essential Oils and Blends for Health, Beauty and Home
Skyhorse Piblishing, New York, USA, 2014, 2016.