How to Reduce Stress: Essential Oils for Relaxation

Can a simple scent really transport you to a place of peace? Essential oils have been used for centuries to help people unwind, offering a sensory escape from the stresses of daily life. But how do they work? And which really are the most recommended essential oils for stress relief?

In this article, we’ll explore the world of essential oils for relaxation, from their history to their modern-day uses. Plus, we’ll guide you through ways to make the most of these relaxing blends of essential oils and incorporate them into your self-care routine. Let’s dive into a world of tranquil possibilities.

Did You Know? Five Relaxation Facts

Our brains are our body’s relaxation center, and there are so many things we can do to help them de-stress.

• Smiling Releases Stress: Research shows that the act of smiling triggers a release of endorphins and reduces stress by lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

• Warm Baths Can Improve Your Mood: A hot bath releases tension and increases serotonin, the feel-good hormone.

• The Power of Scent Can Transport You: Your sense of smell is directly linked to the brain’s emotional center, meaning soothing aromas can calm your mind almost instantly.

• Nature Sounds Help Relax the Brain: The sound of rustling leaves or flowing water stimulates the part of your nervous system that helps you to stay calm.

• Scent and Massage Can Help to Improve Sleep: Combining scent with touch therapy can promote relaxation and better rest.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts derived from flowers, leaves, bark, and roots. They are known as ‘essential’ because they capture the essence of the plant. Through processes like steam distillation, these fragrant compounds are captured to create these naturally potent oils. Long valued in wellness practices, essential oils are believed to carry the therapeutic properties of the plants they are sourced from, making them a popular choice for stress reduction and relaxation.

How Can Essential Oils Help with Relaxation?

The science behind essential oils lies in their ability to interact with the brain’s limbic system - the part responsible for emotions and memories. When you inhale a calming aroma, it triggers a response in your brain that can reduce stress hormones, slow your heart rate and create a sense of peace.

• Used for Centuries: Cultures worldwide, from ancient Egypt to India, have used essential oils for centuries in rituals designed to calm the mind and promote well-being.

• The Science of Scent: Aromatherapy studies suggest that certain scents can activate signals in the brain that help us unwind.

• Our Blends: Our own blends of essential oils are expertly balanced to form fragrances with function.

Essential Oils for Relaxation

When it comes to relaxation, some essential oils stand out for their ability to help us feel calm and grounded. You’ll find these 100% natural fragrances in some of our products, expertly balanced to help you find chill.

Cedarwood: Grounding and serene, cedarwood is said to promote relaxation and better sleep.

Find it in: Relaxing Bath Salts, Exfoliating Foot Scrub, Nourishing Foot Balm.

Sandalwood: With its earthy warmth, sandalwood is believed to help reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Find it in: Comforting Dry Oil.

Petitgrain: Light and floral, petitgrain is said to enhance focus while alleviating stress.

Find it in: Nourishing Foot Balm.

Palmarosa: A serene scent that’s thought to help reduce stress and encourage relaxation.

Find it in: Nourishing Foot Balm.

Vetiver: Warm and grounding, vetiver is said to help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

Find it in: Nourishing Foot Balm.

Relaxing Blends of Essential Oils

Developed using 100% natural essential oils, our own fragrances have been expertly blended to help you relax, unwind and feel uplifted as you practice self-care. These multi-functional scents are part of our products’ full sensory experience, so breathe deep and get ready to enjoy.

Comforting Dry Oil

A comforting and soothing scent. The floral notes of Petitgrain and Palmarosa help to restore your serenity while Bergamot and Elemi essential oils uplift your mood.

Relaxing Bath Salts

Exfoliating Foot Scrub

Relaxing Bath Salts

Exfoliating Foot Scrub

A calming and revitalizing scent. The notes of Cedarwood help to clear your mind while Juniper, Thyme and Rosemary essential oils invigorate your spirit.

Nourishing Foot Balm

A captivating and caring scent. Cedarwood and Sandalwood essential oils calm and comfort your mind while Blood Orange and Cypress notes give you a burst of energy.

How to Maximise the Benefits of Essential Oils for Stress Reduction

Life gets busy, the to-do list gets longer, and care for what moves you can easily fall off it. We believe that when we can find time to look after ourselves, it helps power us through everything else in life. So if you’re planning in a moment to nurture your well-being, it’s important to make it count.

1. Set Up Your Space: Dim the lights, turn on some relaxing music and leave devices in another room to allow your brain to fully engage with relaxation.

2. Take your time: However busy your day, taking time to care for your body and mind is important. Even a few minutes of care can make a huge difference!

3. Breathe In: Inhale deeply as you use each foot care product, letting the scent of 100% natural essential oils soothe and calm, helping the day melt away.

When to Use Our Relaxing Blends of Essential Oils

Incorporating essential oils into your daily care routine is all about intentionally creating moments of calm, focus and rejuvenation throughout the day. Our expert blends have been developed to enhance every care moment, helping you to discover relaxation through both touch and scent.

Start Your Day Right: Kick off your morning with a clean slate and a burst of energy.

Try: Exfoliating Foot Scrub

Top Tip: A little exfoliation is a great way to set yourself up for the day. Take a deep breath as you scrub and feel the energizing benefits of our essential oil blend.

Midday Reset: Comfort and soothe in busy moments with a multi-tasking scent designed for calm and energy.

Try: Comforting Dry Oil

Top Tip: Our Comforting Dry Oil can be used all over your body. This lightweight and silky oil glides delicately over skin, absorbing quickly and leaving no trace behind.

Evening Relaxation: Unwind after a long day by preparing for a restful night.

Try: Relaxing Bath Salts and Nourishing Foot Balm

Top Tip: Set yourself up for sleep success and enjoy a hot bath with our Relaxing Bath Salts, followed by a few minutes of Signature Foot Massage using our Nourishing Foot Balm.

Relaxation, Naturally

Whether you’re seeking to ground yourself at the start of the day, re-energize during a busy afternoon, or wind down for a restful night, the right essential oils can support your well-being. By tapping into the therapeutic power of scents, you can create moments of calm throughout your daily routine, bringing self-care into even the most hectic days.

Reducing stress and embracing relaxation doesn’t have to involve a two-week mountain retreat - it can be as simple as finding small moments to rest and reset. So make time to breathe deeply, savoring the moment and enjoying our expertly blended essential oils for relaxation - it’s time to embrace your calm. Is there a product you love the scent of most? Tell us about it @BIRKENSTOCKCareEssentials - we absolutely love hearing about how our foot care products work for you.

Our Products