We are all aware that stress, can be very harmful for our health — it lowers our resistance and makes us more vulnerable to illness and disease. Stress can also be mentally crippling and that is what makes it even more necessary to combat. Natasha Tuli, co-founder and CEO of a lifestyle brand that deals in aromatherapy products says, “When you use aromatherapy to break the pattern of circular thinking that is keeping you stressed, even when there is nothing you can do about a situation, you can easily get past the thoughts that are interfering with the task you need to focus upon and become more efficient in your work, or play.” Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Essential oils, the pure essence of a plant, have been found to provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly and safely.

Do it right

“Close your eyes and envision sitting a rock on a mountain top with a clear running stream below your feet, breath in the calming aroma and imagine listening to the flowing water,” says Natasha. Essential oils are generally very concentrated and highly effective. She adds, “Take a few drops of essential oils on a wet cotton ball and place these balls in your living room, bedroom and office to always be surrounded in the pleasant world of aroma.”

Popular stress relieving essential oils

Clary Sage, Orange, Bergamot, Lavender, Lemongrass and YlangYlang. Clary sage is instrumental in calming the nervous system. – Lavender is known to be an all round healer. The sweet fragrance is calming and gives a sense of clarity to thinking. – Bergamot brings freshness by uplifting the mood almost instantaneously. – Lemongrass invokes fresh energy within one’s body making it more dynamic. – Orange, with its fruity fragrance and feeling, lifts the spirit bringing peace and happiness to the mind. – YlangYlang helps get rid of feelings of anger, tension and nervous irritability. It is also known to relax the body and make one lose their inhibitions that usually are a major source of stress.