As adults, we spend a good chunk of our waking hours at our workplace. A majority of modern work environments takes place in office- type settings. Office environments are usually associated with high levels of stimuli, job pressures and lack of natural sunlight. Compounding these stressors may be co-worker relations and the possibility of layoffs or cutbacks. These factors and more can create a sense of continual stress that is difficult to control or to subside.
The Body's Reaction to Stress
Stress is a beneficial. Well, sometimes. When stress due to injury or short-term illness is perceived by the nervous system, a cascade of events occurs, namely the production of hormones that in turn trigger the production of immune fighting agents. These stress-triggered hormones alert the immune system to quickly respond.
Stress also stimulates our adrenal glands during times when we need to flee from danger or when we need intense focus to make an impending deadline. However, continuous levels of stress, known as chronic stress, can actually suppress the immune system, decreasing its vital role in warding off diseases and infections. The aim of our body's autonomic nervous system is to maintain a balance between the sympathetic (get up and go) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system components.
Too much stress, however, over long periods of time, known as chronic stress, can lead to a number of maladies, including ones that can be fatal, such as high blood pressure (restriction of the arteries) and reduced immunity to viruses and other infectious bacteria. Certain studies also point to possible susceptibility to cancer formation. Such consequences would make anyone want to run to the Bahamas.
Reducing Stress with Essential Oils
It might not be possible to escape an often overstimulating work environment, but it is possible to use essential oils as a mean to reduce your stress level. In 2009 the University of Tokyo found that linalool, a primary component in many plants and essential oils, was able to return the stress-elevated immune systems of rats to almost normal levels. The researchers suggest that their findings may initiate a new blood test for identifying stress reducing essential oils used in aromatherapy practices.
Using essential oils to reduce stress is centuries old. Traditional literature touts the benefits of oils such as basil, bergamot, chamomile, lemon and of course lavender for stress reduction. Recent science studies have reported on a number of essential oils with stress-relieving properties. Below is a review of science literature on qualities of lemon and the infamous lavender that affect stress levels.
A Look at Certain Oils You Might Try
Stress can also exhaust the adrenals and overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system. A 2003 clinical study looked at the effects of cedrol – an active compound of cedarwood essential oil- on the autonomic nervous system. Researcher found that inhalation of cedrol increased parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic activity and thus acted as a relaxant.
It is unlikely that the daily stresses created in the workplace will completely disappear. Dealing with stress in the workplace is of course unique to every individual. A growing body of science evidence points to the stress-reducing properties of essential oils, most notably those that contain linalool. The use of essential oils, whether to uplift the spirits or to calm the mind and body, is an effective and safe way to alleviate work-related stress. When deadlines are looming, the gift of essential oils can be priceless.
Author Resource:
AnandaApothecary.com/essential-oils.html is an excellent online resource for premium grade wildcrafted, organic and 100% pure essential oils, flower essences, and aromatherapy skin care supplies.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")