One of the most effective ways to practice mindfulness to combat stress and anxiety is by using aromatherapy essential oils.
Mindfulness Activities with Aromatherapy
1. Using a perfume oil rollerball.
Sit in a comfortable position on the floor with your spine straight. Apply your perfume oil to the inside of both wrists. Bring your left wrist to your nose and inhale deeply for five seconds, with eyes closed.
2.Using a diffuser.
Prepare your diffuser by adding 2 to 3 drops of your favourite essential oil to the water.? Focus on your breathing and become aware of the sensation of the breath entering and leaving the body. Inhale the fragrance for five seconds. Exhale, releasing any negative emotions.Continue breathing deeply until you feel fully relaxed.
3. Using a bath & body oil
Dim the lights in the bathroom and run warm water the same temperature as your body, making sure it isn’t too hot. Drop your bath oil into the bath and breathe in slowly for five seconds, inhaling the aroma. Exhale, releasing any negative thoughts or emotions from the day. Repeat this process until your mind is uncluttered and quiet. Step out of the bath and wrap yourself in a warm towel. Remember to get dressed slowly as to retain the meditative benefits of your bath.
4. Using a bath & body oil on the body.
Sit on a chair or the floor in a comfortable position with your arms and legs exposed. Drop the oil into your hands and rub it between the hands until it’s warm to touch. Rub the oil in circular motions starting with your feet and working your way upward. As you apply the oil, focus on inhaling the scent by breathing in slowly. As you exhale, release any negative emotions. Imagine the scent entering your mind and pushing out any negative emotions.
Meditative Essential Oils for Mindfulness Practice
When selecting an essential oil to use in your mindfulness practice, choose something that makes you happy and gives you a sense of peace. We all have different reactions to essential oils and it’s best to choose one that already has a positive affinity for you.
Top 6 Essential Oils for Meditation
Lavender
Widely championed by herbalists as one of the most therapeutic essential oils, lavender has always been a ‘go to’ fragrance for the tired and the frazzled. So gentle you can apply it straight onto your skin if you don’t have a diffuser, lavender oil is a great place to start if you’re new to using oils for meditation. With sweet, floral notes, lavender is a versatile essential oil that can be enjoyed as it is, or blended.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is said to have a grounding effect on the emotions, so it’s often used by those who wish to rebalance their energy. Sandalwood essential oil is popular with those seeking inner peace, thanks to its soothing effect. Sandalwood warms up any space with its rich, woody scent, and has been used to create calming environments for hundreds of years.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang essential oil is carefully created using the star-shaped flowers that adorn the Cananga tree, and it’s a scent often found in luxurious, high end fragrances. Ylang Ylang has long been believed to be a natural remedy, attracting those who need a boost to inhale its scent.
Frankincense
Frankincense is said to have powerful medicinal and spiritual benefits.Frankincense essential oil is derived from a tree resin, and its fragrance will add a clean, fresh feel to your meditation practice.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage is said to relieve stress and instil a fabulous feeling of general wellbeing. Widely regarded as one of the most relaxing and balancing essential oils, this one is perfect if you’re not sure where to start. There’s a touch of earthiness to this fruity and floral fragrance, that makes it ideal for those quiet meditation moments.
Vetiver
Vetiver essential oil is used to reduce anxiety and help to combat feelings of exhaustion and fatigue. It is a great oil for meditating during stressful periods, as its sweet aroma tends to have a grounding effect that will help you to switch off. When it comes to relaxation, it pretty much says it all that this fragrance oil is often called ‘the oil of tranquillity’.