We all get a bit stressed out at Christmas, whether it’s from having to host irritating relatives, or from choosing the perfect gift for your other half. We strive to make Christmas perfect, but it’s impossible. I wanted to share my tips on alleviating some of the symptoms of festive stress with aromatherapy, as it’s a big part of my everyday life.Headaches

Headaches are a major symptom of stress, but they can be helped with aromatherapy, and it’s actually really easy to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine. to eliminate the the tension and pain. I immediately reach for lavender and peppermint essential oils. Lavender is a relaxant and will help to reduce tension in my neck and forehead. Peppermint is refreshing, clearing and awakening. You can drop a few droplets into a tissue and inhale, or keep an aromatherapy rollerball  in your handbag or desk drawer. If you have a diffuser, adding these oils to the water will create a space that’s beneficial to your headache and your concentration.

Anxiety

Chronic Anxiety is a serious mental disorder, which usually requires treatment a lot stronger than aromatherapy. However, adding aromatherapy to your everyday life can help all levels of anxiety. Anxiety can stop you sleeping, make you feel physically tired and contribute to headaches. Bergamot oil is a relaxant and sedative, and its zesty scent captures your attention and diverts your mind away from what you are worrying about. Orange oil, geranium oil and nutmeg oil also have calming and happiness-boosting benefits.

You can add a few drops to a tissue and keep it in your pocket to inhale from, or you can add a few drops to a carrier oil, such a jojoba oil, and apply to your chest at breakfast and again at lunch.Insomnia

Lavender, neroli, chamomile and eucalyptus oils are all aromatherapy scents that promote sleep and relaxation. You can purchase shower gels, bath oils and body oils containing these essential oils, and these are good to use before bedtime.

It’s also great to prepare your bedroom for sleep around an hour before you get into bed. Switch on a diffuser containing some lavender oil and use a pillow mist – many brands have dedicated ‘sleep’ blend pillow mists. Burning a candle containing these essential oils is also great – just don’t leave it unattended or fall asleep with it on. You can read more of my sleep tips here.

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