Earlier this week, I released my blog on how Essential Oils Can Be a Remedy for Stressed Out Brains and Broken Hearts During the Holidays. Although Hanukah and other religious observances are over, Kwanza, Christmas, and New Year’s are just around the corner. This means most of us are still full-swing in the season. The added hustles, bustles, and crowded streets to reach our destinations can be exciting, but also exhausting and draining.

Below are a few of some of my favorite reads for the holidays. These article topics range from getting through them if you are grieving, dealing with the additional stressors, and recipes to share during the celebrations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Amygdala Stimulation for Memory- Or, Maybe Essential Oils Would Be Easier?

With the additional tensions mounting as “to-do” lists increases, the memory can get a little compromised and the attitude a little grumpy. Yes, there is truth to the saying, “Stress makes you stupid,” and it effects our emotions.

A recent study with 14 epilepsy patients reported that stimulating their amygdala could benefit memory. Now, I’m not saying to zap your brains so you can remember to pick up the extension cords for the additional lights that need to be put up before your in-laws come. I am saying we do have a tool just under our noses that can help with this issue.

In my blog on the power of smell, I stated,  “the main area of the brain that links olfaction and emotion is the amygdala. This group of nuclei in the brain are also involved in pain processing and the stress response. This means that with one sniff, mood, discomfort, and nerves can all be effected simultaneously!”

Recently, I also shared six ways that smells can impact mood, and “Certain odors can also trigger memories based on one’s previous associations and evoke specific behavioral responses.”

This means, in place of zapping, you can always dab on your favorite essential oil, such as Stress Away™, before you head out the door.

This is definitely something to be grateful for! Yup, there’s an oil for that emotion too! Read the science here on how these emotional blends really aren’t just a marketing ploy of mood manipulation.

 

2. Coping with Grief and Loneliness

Dr. Mercola released an article discussing ways to manage grief during the holidays. These included: being gentle with yourself, saying no to avoid overextending yourself, nurturing your body, and not isolating.

An article in Kion provided further support on why we should not isolate and the importance of friendships. The author suggested volunteering, joining meetups, and hosting dinner parties to gain friendships. If one has no where to go this holiday, consider volunteering or attending a service you feel comfortable going to. Being around people may uplift you and help to ease the isolation. If you sing together, all the better! There’s evidence that singing enhances wellbeing and benefits mood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Putting the Fun Back in Giving

Want to make gift-giving more than a “mandatory superficial obligation?” Check out these 10 creative ways from the Chopra Center blog to make gift-giving something that is more meaningful and more wallet-friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Healthy Holiday Desert Recipes

This link gives you several recipes to help you nurture your body and provide you and your guests with much needed vitamin P. You can “spice them up” with essential oils. (Please make sure your essential oils are labeled for ingestion and high quality.)

  • Carob Mint Holiday Bites (substitute a drop of peppermint for peppermint extract),
  • Gluten-Free, Dairy-free Chocolate Chip Cookies (substitute a toothpick amount of cinnamon  oil for cinnamon)
  • Pumpkin Coconut Truffles (again you can substitute the  oils of nutmeg, cinnamon, and/or ginger)

 

I wish you all a beautiful, happy, joy-filled, loving holiday.

Stay tuned to my website on Christmas Day for a special holiday message.

 

 

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.

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.)

Thanks Pixabay.