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Help for Workplace Stress! 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. Stress in the Body 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. It is now understood that body functions are largely controlled by two components of the autonomic nervous system- the parasympathetic and the sympathetic. Side-stepping complex details, the parasympathetic system slows the heart rate and increases intestinal activity, while the sympathetic accelerates the heart rate and raises blood pressure - each serve to help us adapt to changes in our environment. Chronic (continual) stress can lead to high blood pressure, muscle tension (including migraines), digestive disorders, higher susceptibility to colds and flu and just a general feeling of yuckiness. Makes you just want to snap your fingers and be in Tahiti. Such may be true for Samatha (Bewitched), but we mere mortals have to figure out a means to reduce our stress levels. Reducing Stress with Essential Oils Essential oils have been used for centuries to relieve stress and facilitate a sense of well being. In the last few years, lavender has hit the main stage and now widely recognized for its calming properties. A recent 2009 Japanese study on rats found that linalool, a major compound of lavender and many other essential oils, decreased stress-elevated levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes (key components of the immune system) and returned them back to near-normal levels. Remarkably, this study also found that inhaled linalool reduced the activity of more than 100 genes that go into overdrive in stressful situations. 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. Some Research on Specific Aromatics Lavender is commonly used to calm the mind and relax the body. In 2008, two separate studies from Japanese universities found that aromatherapy of lavender decreased levels of cortisol (referred to as the "stress hormone") in humans after experiencing stress. Work related stress is gaining much attention these days in medical circles. Modern culture no longer spends long hours outside as farmers but inside as office professionals. Sunshine is one of the best sources of stress-relieving medicine, yet essential oils are a safe and viable source as well. Science literature clearly points to the stress reducing benefits of using essential oils, whether to uplift or to calm.
Article Source: http://www.seoserviceprovider.com/articles
The author is a consultant to The Ananda Apothecary, an excellent online resouce for medical grade essential oils, aromatherapy formulations, flower essences, and usage instructions for a great many natural products and therapies.
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