Teach Middle East Magazine June 2014 Issue 2 Vol. 1 | Page 37

Bella

AROMATHERAPY FOR EVERY
TEACHER
By Maryann Reid

K

eeping up with the pace of
a hectic school day can be
draining. Self-care is of the
upmost importance, especially
when trying to avoid fatigue and
forgetfulness which can be brought
on by a heavy schedule or constant
demands on your time. Part of selfcare should include bringing your
vitamins, aspirin, and a thermos filled
with delicious, healthy soup to school.
Still, this may not always be possible.
What then? Would you believe that a
few small bottles of oils can assist you
in dealing with some of those daily
stresses?
Aromatherapy is an ancient healing
practice that delivers fantastic mood
enhancing results. It works to safely
and effectively alter a person’s mood
by using specific smells to stimulate
different parts of the brain. For many,
it has become a suitable alternative
option for dealing with stress. With a
few whiffs, your mood transforms from
one of dread to delight, or resignation
to relaxation. You may also rub a small
amount of essential oil on your wrists
or neck, as well as, blend it with other
lighter oils like olive and jojoba to
prolong use.
Below are some common moods
you may feel during the day and the
aromatherapy cure to use:
YOU FEEL: If another person asks me
a question, I will lose it.
YOU NEED: Calm
USE: Ylang Ylang, Palmarosa
It’s easy to give up when you are
overwhelmed. Use these essential
oils to calm your mind, quell feelings
of anxiety and feel grounded again.
Those you work with will thank you
later.
YOU FEEL: I’m just going through the
motions. What day is it again?
YOU NEED: Rejuvenation
USE: Peppermint
A quick way to feel refreshed is to have
a cold shower. Since having a shower
at work is probably not an option, use

essence of peppermint for a quick pickme-up that doesn’t require a loofah
and towel.

areas of your life. Lemon essence
also helps with performance and
concentration.

YOU FEEL: What am I teaching
today?
YOU NEED: Focus
USE: Cinnamon, Thyme
We have all had moments where we
lose focus and find our brains trying to
catch up with the set goals. Either of
these aromas can be the antidote for
that “brain freeze”.

YOU FEEL: Someone is out to get
me.
YOU NEED: Peace.
USE: Juniper, Yarrow
Miss that blissful, all-is-well feeling?
This does the job! It relaxes you
enough to reduce the anxiety by a few
notches.

YOU FEEL: I just need a 30-minute
nap and I’ll feel like new again!
YOU NEED: Alertness
USE: Basil, Rosemary
These are common herbs for cooking
that can do wonders for the mind when
you need it most. Mix a few drops with
jojoba oil and dab on your skin a few
times a day to be ready for anything.
YOU FEEL: I am very bored with this
class.
YOU NEED: Creativity
USE: Frankincense, Lemon
You may want to keep a pen and
notepad handy before you apply these
essential oils. Used independently or
combined, you will feel the new ideas
brewing soon after. By the way, don’t
just expect ideas for work. You may
come across some that address other

Experiment with one or two of your
favourite scents and see how your
body responds. Some people are
inclined to scents that are clean, and
light like jasmine, or lavender. Others
thrive off the sharp scents of basil,
and lemon. Your body will usually lean
towards one type of scent over another
and your desired mood should follow.
Aromatherapy is a wonderful addition
to any self-care practice, but don’t
rely on it alone to cure any prolonged
sadness or stress. If you experience
long bouts of either, you may need
to look more carefully at how you are
managing your life.

After The Bell

June 2014

35