Do you feel like your life is getting more and more hectic? The pressures of work, family, friends, and other commitments can leave us feeling frazzled on an almost constant basis. Even if we manage to schedule our days so that they’re jam-packed with activities, stressors and obligations are inevitable. Luckily, there are a number of ways that we can help ourselves feel a little bit happier and balanced again in our day-to-day lives. One of the most effective methods is through the use of essential oils. These special oils have been used for their fragrance and healing properties for thousands of years. There are many different kinds, each offering their own distinct benefits when it comes to wellness and happiness.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that have powerful aromas and properties. They’ve been used throughout the world for thousands of years for a wide range of reasons, including for their therapeutic effects. There are hundreds of different essential oils, each with their own unique benefits. As their name suggests, essential oils are the “essence” of plants. They are made by distilling or extracting the “volatile” elements — the essential oils, waxes, resins, and fatty acids — from plants. These are highly potent substances that have a wide range of therapeutic uses. The oils are typically extracted using a process called steam distillation. In this method, plants are placed in a closed container where the steam is heated to a high enough temperature to break down their components. The steam is then collected, condensed, and put back in the container to be reheated. This process is repeated until the essential oil is extracted.

How Do Essential Oils Help Us Feel Happy and Well?

In order to understand how essential oils can help boost our mood and make us feel happier and more relaxed, it’s important to first understand how these oils work. Essential oils are highly concentrated, which means that they’re able to be absorbed very quickly and deeply into our bodies and cells. Because of this, they can have a wide range of benefits for our health and mood. Studies have found that aromatherapy — which is the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes — can have a wide range of positive effects on our mood and overall well-being. For example, a study published in the journal Perceptual and Motor Skills found that participants who inhaled lavender essential oil showed a significant decrease in “anxiety and/or depression, and also reduced their irritability.” The essential oils in the study were also found to help “inhibit the sympathetic nervous system,” which is responsible for causing the stress response. In general, essential oils have been shown to help relax the body, increase our focus and mental clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of calm.

Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety Reduction

For many people, the most common and immediate use for essential oils is in managing stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy with the right essential oils can help lower cortisol and other stress hormones in the body and promote feelings of relaxation and calm. One of the most popular oils for managing stress is lavender. In fact, a number of studies have found that inhaling lavender essential oil can have powerful anxiety-reducing effects, including significantly decreasing cortisol levels in the blood and increasing levels of alpha-waves in the brain, which help promote relaxation. Other oils that can help manage stress and promote feelings of calm include bergamot, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood, and geranium.

Essential Oils That Promote Sleep

Another very popular use for essential oils is helping people relax and fall asleep more easily. Some of the best oils for sleep are lavender, Roman chamomile, and sandalwood. These oils have been found to help people with a wide range of sleep issues, from insomnia and restless sleep to sleep apnea and snoring. In many cases, just diffusing the oils in the air or adding a few drops to a cotton ball can help people fall asleep more easily and have more restful sleep. Some people also use a blend of these oils as a natural sleep aid by applying them to their wrists or putting a few drops on their pillow.

EOs That Fight Anxiety & Depression

While essential oils are excellent at helping us feel happier and more relaxed, they’re also quite effective at helping people who are struggling with depression. Aromatherapy with certain oils, such as bergamot, grapefruit, and lemon, can help raise people’s mood and make them feel more optimistic. Studies have also shown that certain oils can help lower cortisol levels, which is important for helping people with depression. Since high cortisol levels are often associated with depression, decreasing this hormone can help people feel more cheerful and optimistic. One of the best oils for fighting depression is lemon. Lemon oil has been shown to have a significant positive impact on mood, particularly in people with low levels of positive emotions and feelings of sadness. Other oils that can help fight depression include grapefruit, peppermint, juniper, and orange. Other Ways to Naturally Boost Your Mood Although essential oils can be very effective for boosting our mood, they don’t work the same for everyone. Some people may find that certain oils are more helpful for them than others. Fortunately, there are many other ways to naturally boost your mood. One of the simplest ways to boost your mood is to get plenty of sunlight every day. Research shows that sunlight exposure can increase serotonin levels — which can help improve mood — as well as trigger the release of melatonin, which can make people feel more sleepy and relaxed. Getting plenty of exercise is also important for helping people feel happier and more optimistic. Moderate exercise can increase serotonin levels and make people feel less stressed and more cheerful. Exercising with a group can make it even more enjoyable.

Although life can be stressful and challenging on a regular basis, it doesn’t have to be detrimental to our mood and well-being. Using essential oils to promote feelings of relaxation and well-being can help us get through our daily lives a little bit easier. With a few simple changes, you can help yourself feel happier and more relaxed every day.