In my previous post from my holiday sanity series, I explored in detail the topic of spirituality in relation to dealing with addictions during the holidays. Along with family-based therapy, there is evidence of how a connection to a higher source can support recovery and provide comfort for those who struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD). I also touched on how essential oils could be incorporated into a treatment program for those struggling with addictions and could also be used for everyone coping with stressful holiday triggers.

In this article, I will further expand on how essential oils can be used for dealing with unhealthy patterns and promote more nourishing practices during this hectic time of year and beyond.  Then, in my final post for this series, I will provide you with a list of essential oils and one of my favorite holiday blends for soothing your body and maintaining your serenity during stressful times. It will be released just in time to get the diffusers going on Christmas day!

 

How Essential Oils Support Sanity and Nourishing Behaviors

Essential oils are a perfect companion to any technique for anyone dealing with unwanted cravings, habits, or addictions. They have the ability to calm the mind-body in many ways, and modern science has verified that essential oils modulate physiology and emotions on the psychological and biochemical levels. Their constituents and aromatic properties have also been shown to positively influence brain patterns and function. Furthermore, essential oils are great multi-taskers in that they will simultaneously promote physical health, cleaner air, and overall well-being for anyone lucky enough to inhale. You can learn more specifics on “How Essential Oils Calm the Brain, Body, Balance Hormones, and Promote Bonding” by clicking this link.

For these multi-factorial reasons, research has demonstrated that essential oils can be used to support healthy behaviors and break addictive cycles. They can be diffused in the air to not only soothe one with a SUD, but can also fill the home atmosphere with a “scent of calm” and potentially “air out” negative emotions.

Another well known effect of essential oils is for reducing the impact of stress, which in itself can help decrease the risk of addictive behaviors. According to one study:

“Stress is a well?known risk factor in the development of addiction and in addiction relapse vulnerability. A series of population?based and epidemiological studies have identified specific stressors and individual?level variables that are predictive of substance use and abuse.”

This article provides a good overview of the negative effects of stress and some additional ideas to relieve a sense of overwhelm. Examples include focusing on fun hobbies, using relaxation techniques, participating in nourishing social interactions, and physical movement. For those seeking other holistic self-care approaches to holiday stress, more helpful suggestions can be found here.

Finally, as alluded to above, diffusing essential oils in place of toxic chemicals for holiday scents can also prevent negative effects in any home, whether there be addiction present or not. There are a lot of reasons to avoid commercial air fresheners and holiday “toxic-scents.” Many contain harmful ingredients, including phthalates. In fact, in an independent test, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found phthalates in many commercial air fresheners, including some that did not list phthalates on the ingredients, as well as some that were labeled as “all natural” or “unscented.” Phathalates are a group of chemicals that may affect human reproduction and development as stated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. I discussed the “Stink” of fragrances more here in my discussion on diffusing essential oils for infants.

We have now reviewed how essential oils can keep the body and emotions calm, effect brain physiology, and protect the whole household from harmful chemicals. This will benefit the entire family and provide comfort for those struggling with addictions.

Next week, I will reveal to you some of my favorite essential oils and a combination blend to support your mind-body wellness during this holiday season… just in time for Christmas.

Please share your comments below!

 

This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. (Affiliation link.)

Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin. The studies are not based solely on a specific brand of an essential oil, unless stated. Please read the full study for more information.

Thanks Pixabay.