Are you stressed and a hot mess? One easy thing to do when you are feeling overwhelmed with stress is applying a few drops of essential oils. There are a vast variety of different uses for essential oils, and everyone has their own preferences.

For stress, topical uses can be some of the best ways to use stress relieving essential oils. The application of various essential oils on the wrists, back of neck or shoulders, and the bottom of your feet can return the best results for relieving stress.

Topical Application Essential Oil Basics

There are a few things to note before our journey into where to apply essential oils for stress. Here are a few do’s and don'ts of essential oil application!

Do’s of Essential Oil Application

• Check the quality! Ensure that you’re only putting the best oils on your skin.
• Check with your doctor, particularly if you’re taking any medications or have allergies.
• ALWAYS dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to skin. This will help prevent skin irritations.
• Be cautious when applying to already sensitive skin.
• Try using roll-on essential oils.

Don’ts of Essential Oil Application

• Don’t put oils on broken skin (i.e., cuts or open wounds).
• Don’t forget to store them properly! Follow the instructions accompanying the bottle of oil.
• Don’t give to small children!

Where to Apply Essential Oils for Stress?

Applying essential oils for stress is an excellent way to reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being. A few areas where applying them can be especially beneficial are the wrists, neck, shoulders and bottoms of feet.

Applying a few drops of oil to any of these areas allows it to be rapidly absorbed into your body and utilized to help you feel more relaxed. Because oils are volatile compounds they evaporate quickly so applying often is ideal while experiencing high levels of stress.

Apply Essential Oils to the Wrists

Just like a perfume, essential oils can be applied on the wrists. It is fairly common to rub a diluted mix of your favorite essential oil or a roll-on essential oil to each wrist. It is especially helpful when using oils that help with relieving stress.

One of the biggest reasons that essential oils are put on wrists is due to the location of the radial artery. The radial artery runs down your wrists and is a large source of blood flow for the body. Applying the essential oil to your wrists can make it easier to absorb the essential oils to experience the effects.

Heat is another big reason why essential oils are applied to the wrists. The inside of your wrists is a place on the body that releases a large amount of heat. The heat released by the inside of your wrists can activate the essential oils a bit faster than other places. The activation of the essential oils can maximize the effects of the oil.

Some great essential oils to apply to the wrists are:

• Bergamot
• Eucalyptus
• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Lavender

Apply Essential Oils to the Back of the Neck and Shoulders

The back of the neck and shoulders is a wonderful place to put essential oils. It is very common for essential oils used in a massage to begin with your neck and shoulders. It is great for even massaging oils into the back of your neck and or shoulders at home or on the go!

Anxiety and stress are commonly stored in the body as tension. This tension is often stored in the neck and back areas. It can manifest in pain and be very uncomfortable.

To release the tension and relieve some of the stress or anxiety, dilute some of your essential oil or use a roll-on oil. Gently massage the essential oil into the muscles that are tense in your neck and shoulders.

This process can be excellent for overall health, and you may feel more relaxed and ready for the day.

Some of the best oils for the back of your neck and shoulders are:

• Peppermint
• Sweet Marjoram
• Lemongrass
• Basil
• Lavender

Apply Essential Oils to the Bottoms of Feet

Although this may sound a little weird, try applying the essential oil to the bottom of your foot! This is a great place to absorb different oils and make the most out of your essential experience.

The bottom of the foot has some of the biggest pores in your body. These large pores can help absorb the essential oils faster than other places on the body. The bottom of your feet don’t have any sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in the body).

The feet are also a big part of grounding techniques in meditation and other spiritual practices that can help reduce stress and anxiety. With the feet as such a big grounding force, applying grounding essential oils to the bottom of your feet can greatly assist in the efficiency of these oils.

Some of the best oils to put on the bottom of your feet are:

• Cedarwood
• Vetiver
• Ginger
• Sandalwood
• Patchouli
• Tea Tree

More Ways to Use Essential Oils for Stress Relief

If applying topically is not something you want to do, diffusing the oils through an aromatherapy diffuser or even simply smelling them from an aromatherapy inhaler can also be highly effective in reducing stress.

Many find essential oil jewelry effective to wear throughout the day. You can learn more about using an essential oil diffuser necklace for stress and anxiety.

Best Essential Oils to Apply for Stress Relief

Lavender oil is well known for its calming effects and can help reduce insomnia and anxiety. Other beneficial options include ylang-ylang, orange, frankincense, bergamot, clary sage and sandalwood essential oils.

To make the most effective blend for relieving stress, combine two or three different essential oils in a diffuser or dilute them in a carrier oil like jojoba oil and rub it at pulse points in your body. Regular aromatherapy treatments will help you relax and find equilibrium amidst life's daily chaos.

Final Thoughts on Applying Essential Oils for Stress

Essential oils are excellent to relieve stress and anxiety. Topical application is the best way to enjoy the most relief. Put the oil on your wrists, back of neck and shoulders, or bottom of your feet for extra relief.

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