Ease Nervousness with Essential Oils
You’ve got a something big coming up, and your nerves are on overdrive. You start feeling stressed and agitated; those butterflies in your tummy are flipping and flopping; the tension is building in your body; you are feeling really uneasy – almost nauseous. You always get nervous before these type of events. You’re at a loss as to what to try to help ease this nervousness you get at times.
‘Don’t worry, getting nervous is a feelings most of us, if not all of us, are familiar with. And actually nervousness is a sensible reaction to a potentially scary situation. People might experience it before a test or exam, or before having to speak to a large audience, or whilst your awaiting important news. It’s a normal part of life, and something that can be eased with essential oils.
Why Essential Oils are good for Nervousness
Isn’t nervousness and anxiety the same thing? Well, in a word, no. They are not the same. Anxiety is a reaction to something unknown and sometimes makes no sense, but nervousness is a reaction to a known situation.
So, before you go into one of these situations, try some essential oils. Here’s our Top 7 list of essential oils what are good for easing nervousness.
Best Oils for Nervousness
1. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
One whiff of lavender and all your stress and nervousness can melt away. It is said to have a harmonizing effect on the nervous system which makes it an ideal addition to our toolkit.
Place one drop on a tissue, and carry it with your before that exam. It will help calm the nerves, and ease the mind and body of stress.
2. Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)
This precious and exotic floral aroma is very comforting for the mind and the emotions. It can help dissolve the fears behind the nervousness you might have about the upcoming situation.
Dilute one drop of Jasmine into 5 ml of your favorite carrier (vegetable) oil, then rub onto your temples, and over your heart. You will smell amazing, and you’ll feel a lot lighter with that nervous tension.
3. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
This delightful and uplifting oil is like sunshine in a bottle. It’s hard not to lighten up when you inhale it’s sweet and fruity aroma. It is said to assist us to find that inner child within, lighten up and laugh. And when we laugh and smile, our body and mind relax, which will help ease that nervous tension.
On the day of your big event, put a drop or two of the oil on a face cloth, then place it on the shower floor. Shower as normal. The aroma will gently diffuse, and you’ll feel the tension dissipate.
4. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
This herbaceous and sweet aroma is said to be soothing and balancing for the mind and body, which makes it an ideal addition to your toolkit. It can help ease tension, ease the stress and quell any anxiety that you might be feeling.
Add one drop to your daily moisturizer. Not only will it be great for your skin, but it will help ease that nervous tension and help provide balance.
5. Sandalwood (Santalum album, Santalum spicatum)
This rich woody aroma can help calm the nerves and relax the mind. It is said to help reduce the overthinking which might be present with nervousness. Whilst many use sandalwood for meditation, adding this oil to your blends for nervousness can help quieten the mind.
Add a couple of drops to your diffuse, and run it for 30 minutes before leaving for your event. You’ll feel cool, calm and collected, ready to take on whatever it ahead of you.
6. Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Also known as Jatamansi or Nard, Spikenard has a deep, rich, earthy aroma, and is incredibly calming and grounding. The aroma is very distinct, and not one for everybody, some find it offensive and repugnant. But, for ease nervous tension, it is definitely one to consider. It can help calm to mind, settle the emotions, and provide peace and serenity.
In a 10 ml roller bottle, put one drop of Spikenard and top with your your favorite carrier (vegetable) oil. Roll the blend on your feet, which will help ground and calm you. Your feet are also the furthest from your nose, so you won’t find the aroma too offensive.
7. Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia)
Sometimes called Lavender Tea Tree, this oil is a great alternative to Lavender essential oil. The aroma is best described as a fresh, earthy, gentle lavender aroma and a mild Eucalyptus and Tea Tree infusions. It is said to ease restlessness and nervous tension, as well as calming, relaxing and refreshing.
A couple of drops in your aromatherapy diffuser, and you’ll soon be feeling less tension, and less nervousness.
Essential Oils For Nervousness – Recipes
Cool, Calm and Collected Roller Bottle Blend
In your 10 ml roller bottle, add
- 2 drops rosalina
- 2 drops geranium
- 1 drop sandalwood
Top the bottle with your favorite carrier (vegetable) oil, then click the roller ball into position and place on the lid. Shake the bottle to mix the oils together. When you start to feel nervous, remove lid and roll the blend over your wrists and back of your neck.
Keep the bottle with you, and re-apply when you start feeling nervous again. And remind yourself that everything will be ok.
No Nerves Diffuser Blend
In your diffuser, add
- 4 drops sweet Orange
- 1 drop jasmine
- 1 drop spikenard
Diffuse the blend for at least 30 minutes prior to heading off to your event. Alternatively, you could also add this blend onto a tissue or cotton ball, and place it beside you or carry it with you before the vent.
Be Calm Massage Blend
In a 50 ml bottle, add
- 12 drops Sweet Orange
- 6 drops geranium
- 4 drops rosalina
- 2 drops jasmine
- 2 drops sandalwood
- 1 drop spikenard
Top with your favorite carrier (vegetable) oil, place on lid and shake.
Take it to your favorite massage therapist, and use as a whole body massage oil, or massage your neck and shoulders with it. Wherever you hold the tension in your body, massage that area with this blend.
To Summarize
- Feeling nervous in a potentially scary situation is normal. Everyone has experienced these type of feelings
- It is not the same as anxiety. If you are experiencing anxiety, seek professional support from your primary healthcare practitioner
- There are many essential oils available that can help ease the nervous tension in your body and mind. They are a simple, easy and effective tool.
Read more:
- 11 Most Effective Essential Oils For Anxiety & Best Ways To Use Them
- Essential Oils For Relaxation [Top 8] & How To Use, Including Recipes!
Reference:
Battaglia, S (2018). The Complete guide to Aromatherapy: Volume One Foundations and Materia Medica; Brisbane, Black Pepper Creative.