There are times when life’s demands get the better of us. The thing is, we’ve all been there, making too many commitments whilst not taking enough care of ourselves. Then, everything important goes by the wayside, like sleep, health, relationships, even work. 

Just like a taught spring, emotions are compressed, all the while tension building gradually until something finally triggers them to explode into life. It might be an angry outburst, a nervous breakdown or simply an outpouring to a friend or family member. But whatever way it comes out, don’t ignore stress, because the long-term ramifications are not good. 

Scentered know all about the impact of stress. That’s why we’ve created powerful aromatherapy products to combat stress and it’s unwelcome companion, poor sleep. And with Christmas on the not-too-distant horizon, why not add life-enhancing aromatherapy products or kits onto your own Christmas list or alternatively, avoid the rush and buy a loved one who’s undergoing a stressful time, a thoughtful and supportive aromatherapy present this year? With gift wrap available and the option to add a special message at check-out, we’re your one-stop shop for Christmas gifting.

What Does Stress Do to the Body?

Today’s world is so fast paced, that its small wonder so many of us are suffering chronic stress. 

There are, of course, times when the stress response is helpful. That’s because it’s the body’s way of responding to a perceived threat or danger. When the stress response, or ‘fight or flight’ system is engaged, stress hormones, including cortisol and adrenaline, flood the body. 

It causes a number of physical changes. The heart beats faster, blood pressure rises, breathing becomes shallow and rapid and our senses sharpen. In this heightened state of alert, we’re focused and ready to act. This can be a good thing in the right context. For instance, it might save your life if you need to defend yourself or help you stay on point for a job interview.

So, it’s good to a point, but when our bodies are constantly in a stressful state, it begins to affect us detrimentally, both in a physical, and mental sense. Chronic stress can lead to:

1. Depression and anxiety
2. Pain of any kind
3. Sleep problems
4. Autoimmune diseases
5. Digestive problems
6. Skin conditions, such as eczema
7. Heart disease
8. Weight problems
9. Reproductive issues
10. Thinking and memory problems

(Source: helpguide.org)

How Does Aromatherapy Help Stress?

Think of it like this. There’s a strong link between smell and emotion, facilitated largely in part by the brain’s limbic system. As you inhale an essential oil, small molecules travel directly to this emotional centre of the brain, triggering memories and associations. So, not only can aromatherapy be used to access a past emotion linked to that smell, but it can also be used to create and cement new associations.

That’s great when you want to bring in a new ritual, like a relaxing bedtime routine. The more often you use the same essential oil as part of your evening wind-down routine, the quicker that your brain picks up the cue and hey presto, you feel relaxed. 

The Scentered Sleep Well blend is a sophisticated floral lavender blend, perfect for quieting a restless mind and preparing you for a deep, uninterrupted, night of sleep. Therapeutic Lavender, Chamomile, Palmarosa and Ho Wood, are carefully balanced with Bois de Rose and Geranium. The Patchouli, Clove and Ylang Ylang heart brings a contemporary oriental twist.

Here at Scentered, we’re all using our Ultimate Luxury Sleep Well Set to support our evening bedtime ritual and ensure a better sleep quality. Feel truly snug in your gorgeous Soft-touch Luxury Spa Bathrobe whilst you burn your therapeutic Sleep Well Aromatherapy Candle through the evening, before applying the Sleep Well Aromatherapy Balm to your pulse points and inhaling three times shortly before bedtime. There’s also a beautiful, natural silk eye mask and a Mini Sleep Well Aromatherapy Balm included too, ideal for stay overs elsewhere. 

The limbic system also plays a role in controlling several unconscious physiological functions, including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Interestingly, these are also often used as the key indicators of stress and anxiety and it’s believed that aromatherapy impacts them, slowing down breathing and the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Not only that but when you apply aromatherapy oil onto the skin, this is absorbed into the bloodstream and rapidly transported around the body and to its organs, again directly impacting them. 

Our De Stress Aromatherapy Balm harnesses the well-being benefits that come from inhalation and direct skin application, in a safe, portable, easy to apply nourishing balm. An unrivalled blend for juggling a busy day or unwinding and de-stressing afterwards, it contains popular Chamomile, to promote a calm mind and Neroli and Mandarin, a duo of well-known tension soothers.  

If you want to add an extra touch of luxury, we’d highly recommend the Home Spa De Stress Relaxation Kit, which also includes a Lavender Wheaty Bag, excellent for soothing muscular tension and aches and pains whilst you’re de stressing with the aromatherapy balm. 

 

 

We would love to hear about your mental wellness journey. You can also keep in touch via our Instagram @iamscentered or sign up to our newsletter for updates, news and offers.