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On Monday 23 March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all non-essential travel and public gatherings had to stop, and we should all self-isolate to protect the NHS due to the growing threat of coronavirus.<\/p>\nOn Monday 23 March, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all non-essential travel and public gatherings had to stop, and we should all self-isolate to protect the NHS due to the growing threat of coronavirus.<\/p>\n
Just about everybody can cope with a few days or so of isolation, but we’ve already had 3 weeks so far in the UK, and a further extension of another 3 weeks has just been announced.<\/p>\n
An estimated 3 billion people around the world have been quarantined in their homes for over three weeks now, so it’s inevitable that many people will begin to feel its effects because isolation is an unnatural state for most people.<\/p>\n
To fight off boredom and keep spirits up people around the world have been finding ways to amuse and entertain themselves during the pandemic. In Italy they have been singing and sharing recipes while in Spain communal staircases have been converted into running tracks!<\/p>\n
Staff at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals maternity ward kept their spirits up dancing to the iconic Sister Sledge tune, ‘We are family’, and people around the world have been sharing videos and stories online to keep us all entertained.<\/p>\n
But despite all this creative fun, the coronavirus lockdown has led to many people experiencing difficulty sleeping, eating and drinking more than usual, a heightened state of anxiety, plus an increase in family arguments. Well that figures, since in ordinary times a typical couple spends only about 3 hours a day together on average, but now under lockdown they are together in isolation for 24 hours, every single day. And that’s not even taking the children into consideration. What could possibly go wrong!<\/p>\n
Arguing over who drives the TV remote or who gets to choose the evenings takeaway meal is one thing, but being confined with partners and children all day, every day, for the foreseeable future is another thing entirely. The usual avenues of ‘escape’ (by going out) are blocked during lockdown and close confinement acts as an emotional amplifier when there is no physical space between ourselves and those in the family we\u2019re having conflict with.<\/p>\n
It’s at times like this when aromatherapy is an absolutely invaluable de-stressing and calming remedy. A global pandemic is scary and it’s only natural to be stressed and scared about it, which in turn causes even more tension, and so the cycle continues. Thankfully, using soothing and calming essential oils around the house can help break this cycle of fear and uncertainty while creating a more positive, supportive atmosphere for everyone. Including the kids!<\/p>\n
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Here are some of the most effective essential oils for beating stress and promoting relaxation:-<\/p>\n
\u2022 Basil<\/strong> You can add your essential oils to a bath, put them in massage blends, or use them in a vaporizer or diffuser anywhere around the house.<\/p>\n If you prefer your products ready-mixed, Quinessence Stress Synergy<\/a> combines the most effective essential oils into one powerful stress-busting synergy that can be used in the ways described above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Some essential oils have the ability to block the neural connections that trigger the increase in adrenalin and cortisol when we\u2019re worried and stressed. Other essential oils can actually stimulate the release of neurochemicals and hormones such as serotonin that help to slow the heart rate, regulate blood pressure, and stimulate the immune system. This action help us to return to a more normal, relaxed state.<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Bergamot<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Chamomile Roman<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Clary sage<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Frankincense<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Geranium<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Juniper Berry<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Lavender<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Marjoram Sweet<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Neroli<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Patchouli<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Rose otto<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Sandalwood<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Vetiver<\/strong>
\n \u2022 Ylang ylang<\/strong><\/p>\nThe science bit<\/h2>\n