Lisa's Sharebook 

Room Diffusion: Use a diffuser to diffuse uplifting and energizing oils into the air. AromaWeb offers a comprehensive article entitled All About Diffusers that explain the differences in diffusers and diffusion methods. At work, on aircraft or in situations where you need to be careful of the others around you, you can place a drop or two of your chosen essential oil or essential oil blend onto a cotton ball or tissue and keep that close to you.

Air Freshener/Room Spray: Alternatively, you can create an uplifting, energizing or calming air freshener that is safer and much more natural than most of the commercial air fresheners available.  an air freshener recipe that you can customize.

Massage: Self massage is a wonderful way to quickly and regularly obtain the benefits of massage. Gently massage your feet, legs, arms and hands with a soothing massage oil made with essential oils and nutritive carrier oils. It not only feels great, but it helps to relieve stress, improve circulation and the oils help to nourish your skin. Choose essential oils that match the emotional outlook that you are seeking. Choose energizing and uplifting oils for early morning massages or calming/relaxing oils for nighttime massages. Like bathing, massage is stimulating to your circulation and should generally be avoided immediately before bedtime.

Skin and Hair Care Products: Consider making your own skin and hair care products that that both nourish your skin/hair. You can include uplifting or calming essential oils that may also help reduce the emotional symptoms of depression or sadness. 

If you prefer not to make your own skin and hair care products from scratch, you can buy unscented lotions, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners and other pre-made products that make it easy to simply add your choice of essential oils. Several of advertisers offer unscented bases that you can use. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of your chosen essential oil or oil blend to already scented products. Just be careful that the aromas do not clash.

Aromatic Cotton Ball by Bedside: Add a drop of a calming or sedating essential oil like Roman Chamomile or Lavender to a tissue or cotton ball and place that near your pillow at bedtime. Roman Chamomile essential oil is considered a natural sedative. Another essential oil that possesses sedating properties is clary sage. If you suffer from insomnia,  Insomnia Recipe.

Bed Linen Spray: Create a calming bed linen spray and lightly spray your sheets before bedtime.

Showering: Place one or two drops of an essential oil onto the back edge of your tub or shower, in an area where the undiluted oil will not directly touch your skin. Be sure that your tub/shower surface won't be discolored by the highly concentrated essential oil. The heat and steam from your shower will gently heat the oil causing it to evaporate and provide you with an aromatic shower. For morning and daytime showering, choose energizing and uplifting essential oils like grapefruit, rosemary, geranium, cypress or bergamot. If you shower in the evenings, choose from essential oils that offer more calming and relaxing properties such as Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Rose, Sandalwood, or Mandarin.

Bath Oils: Bathing is a wonderful way to relax, but avoid taking a bath immediately before bedtime. Hot water can increase your circulation and make it hard to fall asleep. Instead, plan to finish your bathing ritual about an hour before bed. While bathing, add a drop or two of Roman Chamomile or Lavender to your bathwater. For a moisturizing and more aromatic experience, try AromaWeb's Bath Oil recipe. You can use this basic recipe and adapt it using your calming oils of choice. Aromatherapy Baths article provides additional information regarding aromatic bathing.

Bath Salts: The minerals in natural salts, especially Dead Sea salts, help to relax muscles which in turn can help you to relax overall.  Bath Salts recipe that teaches you how to naturally fragrance your chosen bath salts with essential oils. Be sure to select essential oils that are calming and safe for your skin.