By Lindsay Cohn, Brides
Planning a wedding takes work. From the venue to the dress,
there's a lot to think about! It's common (and totally understandable)
to feel overwhelmed. But while the occasional restless night is nothing
to be concerned about, letting tension and anxiety takeover is far from
healthy. One of the best ways to manage pre-wedding stress? Schedule
some me time.
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For many brides that means yoga or meditation, for others a spa weekend
or a kickboxing class. One thing many brides neglect? A self care
ritual. Something as simple as spritz of essential oil-infused facial
mist or a bubble bath can help improve mood, promote calmness and
clarity.
We talked to Amy Galper, executive director and founder of the New York Institute of Aromatherapy, to find out the essential oils that all brides need leading up to the big day.
Lavender
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One
of the most versatile essential oils, is renowned for its calming
properties. It's ability to soothe feelings of anxiety and promote
relaxation (particularly as it relates to sleep) are well documented.
Try anointing your pillow with a few drops before bed to enhance
relaxation and encourage peaceful sleep. Feeling overwhelmed?
Place a few drops in the palm of hand; rub together and inhale deeply. A
facial mist (two ounces distilled water and 20 drops of essential oil)
is a great way to stay serene and fight inflammation. Shake it up and
mist whenever you, or your skin), start to feel stressed.
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Red Mandarin
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Red
mandarin has a citrusy, faintly floral scent that at once uplifts mood
and relieves tension. "Its aromatic components are really nice for
calming the nervous system," notes Galper. "Whereas lavender is more
sedating, red mandarin is more balancing." Try diffusing it in your home
or office to evoke a sense of harmony. Red mandarin also helps
stimulate circulation, harmonize hormones and reduce fluid retention, making it a great oil for massage (particularly during your month cycle).
Sandalwood
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Known
for its rich, warm and exotic aroma and grounding properties,
sandalwood has been used for meditation for centuries. With all the
frenetic pre-wedding energy,
it can help induce peace and stillness—even if just for a moment. It
slows thoughts, helping you to think in a more mindful, deliberate
manner. Sandalwood is also prized in skincare for its moisturizing and soothing properties. Place a few drops into a warm bath to soothe the mind and soften the skin.
[post_ads_2]Marjoram
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Marjoram
has an herbaceous aroma and medicinal benefits. An antispasmodic, it
helps alleviate muscle aches and pain and relaxes physical tightness
from stress (or your pre-wedding workout plan).
Try diluting a few drops and apply to the back of your neck—or anywhere
you're feeling tension. Marjoram also possesses protective abilities,
clearing germs and boosting immunity. Because who wants to be sick
leading up to or on their big day?
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Black Spruce
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Black
spruce has woody, evergreen notes and offers a range of healing
benefits—most notably respiratory support. It promotes lung function and
works as a decongestant, helping with asthma, bronchitis and the common
cough. "It reminds you to breath when things get hectic," notes Galper.
To reconnect with you breath, add two drops of black spruce essential
oil to a bowl of hot water. Position your face about 12 inches above the
bowl, drape a towel over your head and breath in deeply for about a
minute.
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