How Essential Oils and Other Natural Modalities Can Boost Your Mental Health
Mental health problems are at an all-time high, but luckily there are a variety of natural means of improving your mind’s wellbeing, including our favorite: essential oils. Along with seeking professional counsel from a qualified therapist, improving your mental health can be as attainable as changing your diet, or taking your shoes off and stepping outside. Read on to learn more.
Essential Oils
Clinical studies have shown that essential oils can encourage relaxation, productivity, memory, happiness, fearlessness, and more. With this information in mind, we’ve created a range of synergy blends that help to support mental health, including our most popular, Anxiety Ease synergy blend. We encourage you to take the time to research these studies yourself- we know you’ll be amazed by the benefits of essential oils. In the meantime, take the guesswork out of your oil practice by downloading our Emotional Support Cheat Sheet here.
Food
The human brain consumes about 400 calories a day and requires nutrients like folate and other B vitamins to function properly and produce neurotransmitters. Unsurprisingly, a lack of B vitamins and unhealthy Western diets have been linked to depression, ADHD, poor cognitive function and other various diseases. Eating diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and reducing inflammatory foods such as refined starches, red meat, sugar, trans fats, saturated fats and full-fat dairy products are all recommended for healthy brain function which in turn, can lead to better mental health. Furthermore, creating a diet based on your individual health needs is recommended and can be attained by working with a nutritionist.
Exercise
In a study involving 1.2 million people in the US over the course of 4 years, the correlation between physical exercise and mental health was assessed. Researchers found that those who exercised for 45 minutes 3-5 times per week had the lowest mental health burden and that participation in team sports also had a very positive effect on mental health. However, it was revealed that too much exercise had a negative effect on mental health. These findings were in line with other bodies of research showing that the right amount of exercise benefits mood states, including depression, anxiety, and biochemical mechanisms.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
Aromatic plants have been used throughout history to support one’s health and diet and exercise have been touted as the building blocks of wellbeing for decades, but one fairly new, holistic modality that can better one’s mental health is called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Using similar concepts to that of acupuncture, EFT involves stimulating acupressure points. EFT, though still novel, has shown promising results in reducing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The EFT can be learned here.
Earthing
New research is pointing to the possibility that connecting to the electrical conductivity of the earth’s surface may regulate different functions within the body. This is called “earthing” or “grounding” and simply entails touching the earth’s surface with your bare skin (i.e. walking barefoot on the grass, dirt or sand). Modern technology has also allowed for people to stay connected to the earth without actually going outside, through the use of conductive mattress pads, recliners, and wearables. Studies have reflected earthing’s ability to improve sleep and mood, along with reducing pain, inflammation, and stress. This has prompted new research into the effect of earthing on mood and mental health. The results so far have been promising.Grab The Essentials Here:
About the Author, Bella Martinez
Bella Martinez is a Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skincare Formulator and Edens Garden’s lead aromatherapist. An industry expert, Bella has spent years training and learning in the aromatherapy field, which she continues annually. Her passion is taking evidence-based aromatherapy and making it approachable for all.
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1 comment
Jan
May 17, 2021 at 9:21 am
This is good information that needs to be shared everywhere to reach as many people as possible. Something extremely important is missing though: Water. Tests prove that simply drinking water can feed starved cells that regulate mood. Water. Not energy drinks, soft drinks, coffee etc., but water. Simple is good. It need not be complicated. Thanks for your post.