Recommended Oil Choices:
Single Oils: St.John’s Wort, Douglas Fir Premium, Sitka, Larch, Cistus, Poplar Balsam, Marjoram, Basil, Lavender, Lavandin, Clary Sage, Spikenard, Vetiver, Benzoin, Arnica, Palo Santo, Cypriol, Carnation, Neroli, Ginger
Blends: Stress Ease
The Effects of Stress
- Nervous System Regulation
- Emotional Stability
- Inflammation
- Digestion
- Sleep
- Pain
- Restoration
Single Oils
- St. John’s Wort
- Douglas Fir Premium
- Sitka
- Larch
- Cistus
- Poplar Balsam
- Marjoram
- Basil
- Lavender
- Lavandin
- Clary Sage
- Spikenard
- Vetiver
- Benzoin
- Arnica
- Palo Santo
- Cypriol
- Carnation
- Neroli
- Ginger
Blends
- Stress Ease
Stress affects far more than our thoughts and emotions. It influences the nervous system, immune system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, muscles, hormones, and our ability to rest and recover.
Stress is a natural and necessary part of life. It helps us respond to challenges, recognize threats, and mobilize energy when action is required.
However, when stress becomes persistent, excessive, or difficult to recover from, it can interfere with physical health, emotional stability, mental clarity, and restorative sleep.
Understanding the Stress Response
The body’s stress response involves two interacting systems.
The Autonomic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system helps mobilize the body for activity, challenge, and protection. The parasympathetic nervous system supports many processes associated with digestion, conservation, and recovery.
Neither system is inherently good or bad. Health requires flexibility between states.
The HPA Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis helps coordinate the hormonal stress response, including the release of cortisol.
Cortisol helps regulate energy availability, metabolism, immune activity, and adaptation to stress. Persistent stress can disrupt the normal timing and regulation of these responses.
Acute Stress vs. Chronic Stress
| Acute stress | Chronic stress |
|---|---|
| Short-term activation | Persistent or repeated activation |
| Can improve immediate alertness | May interfere with concentration |
| Mobilizes energy for challenges | Can contribute to fatigue |
| Usually followed by recovery | Recovery may become disrupted |
| Can be adaptive | Can increase health risks over time |
The amount of stress someone experiences does not always predict its impact. Duration, intensity, perceived control, social support, health conditions, and opportunities for recovery all matter.