How to Use Aromatherapy in your Yoga Practise to Help Anxiety

woman doing yoga with lit candle

If you struggle with anxiety, incorporating aromatherapy into your yoga practice can have many benefits. Aromatherapy and yoga are a few great things you can easily add into your daily life routine that can help you melt away stress and anxiety. Both practices can give you a calmer mind, more peace, and a clearer head. 

According to the NHS, anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear that can range from mild to severe. It's normal to get anxious when we step out of our comfort zone - perhaps you have a job interview or have to make a big decision in your life. But when anxiety is unexplained or begins to affect our daily life, it's essential to get support. Keep reading on how to use aromatherapy in your yoga practice to aid anxiety. 

Yoga for Anxiety

Many studies have concluded that yoga practice can decrease the secretion of cortisol in the body, which is the primary stress hormone. One study worked with 24 "emotionally distressed" women through a three-month yoga program. Upon completion, their cortisol levels had reduced, and they reported a reduction in stress, anxiety, tiredness and a general boost in their mood.   

Adding essential oils to the mix is a great way to encourage your body to feel more relaxed, focused, and generally in-the-moment as you practice your flow. While it can be beneficial to use certain essential oils to feel more energised for high-impact workouts, the essential oils we're recommending below are much more in tune with a calming yoga practice.

 

Does Aromatherapy Help Anxiety?

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a holistic treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Millions of people around the world use essential oils and report powerful benefits, including:

  • Reduced anxiety or stress 
  • Improved relaxation and sleep 
  • Calmer nerves 
  • More energy 
  • Balanced moods

At scentered, we believe that aromatherapy for anxiety can be a beneficial addition. 

How to Stop Anxiety: Aromatherapy and Yoga

Aromatherapy and yoga are both great methods to help anxiety as these ancient healing practices focused on physical, mental, and spiritual health. They have developed in close connection for thousand years and historically have been used in tandem to support the body, clear the mind, and lift the spirit.

Aromatherapy and Yoga for Anxiety: Chamomile 

The soothing scent of chamomile is a fantastic everyday stress reliever, and the perfect essential oil to accompany your morning or evening yoga practice. This calming scent can also reduce overall muscle tension and mental strain, settling your nerves in the process. You'll find chamomile essential oil in our DE-STRESS Range; this is a soothing blend is ideal for helping you to juggle throughout the day and keep calm and in control. 

Light our DE-STRESS candle a few minutes before you start yoga, and notice how much more meditative your practice becomes. It sets a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere in the room so that you can become fully immersed in your yoga journey. 

Aromatherapy and Yoga for Anxiety: Palmarosa

Palmarosa is the ideal essential oil to incorporate into your regular yoga practice. It is known to help relax muscles and settle your Nervous System, helping you feel more calm and confident to push your flexibility further than you might have otherwise. It's also a great one to use before bed for a more restful night's sleep, so it could help turn your yoga practice from frustrating and awkward, to relaxing and peaceful. Rub a little of our SLEEP WELL Balm on your pulse points to get the benefits of palmarosa during your practice. 

 

Will you be incorporating more aromatherapy and yoga into your daily ritual? Share your journey with us on our social media channels