HEALTH Coping with study and exam stress

Study and exam essentials


Aromatherapy
Ellen Cox

Yes, ‘that’ time of the year is fast approaching – exams, study, stress and nerves.
Most of us can relate to the overwhelming feelings of dread brought about by the thought of studying. Cleaning windows among other mundane chores can suddenly become exciting and top priority! Creating the right atmosphere for study is vital, and burning essential oils can be just the ticket to help.

Studying
Atlantic Aromatics has created a ‘Study Blend’ to help stimulate the mind, aiding both concentration and memory. With oils of basil, rosemary and a hint of lavender it has a crisp, clean aroma. Both basil and rosemary are known to help bring about clarity of the mind and therefore can be good for mental fatigue. Basil has been described as useful to help stop ‘chatter in the head’ and of course rosemary, for memory. Lavender oil is relaxing and soothing.
Both rosemary and basil oil blend well with a little lemon oil which is extremely uplifting and may help alleviate the ‘doom and gloom’ that can accompany thoughts of having so much revision to complete. As rosemary oil is a powerful stimulant it is best avoided in the evening time. A good night’s sleep is far too valuable to risk interfering with.
Add approximately ten to 12 drops of oil into the bowl of an aromatherapy burner, fill with water and light the night light. (Do not leave a lit burner unattended). Lighting the burner ten to 15 minutes before sitting down to study will ensure the essential oils have already started to vaporise. Alternatively put a few drops on a tissue and inhale intermittently.

Address your stress
It is well known that the onset of exams can increase stress levels for many individuals. Ongoing stress can result in anxiety and depression. Stretch a rubber band beyond its capacity and ‘snap’ (ouch), it breaks. Essentially, this is what happens if stress is present over long periods of time. Our bodies are unable to continue to function in good health. And if we do not address the stress, a pattern of ailments will start to appear and eventually manifest into a more serious illness.
The following essential oils offer many benefits to help cope with stress and associated conditions: roman camomile, bergamot, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli (orange blossom is excellent where anxiety is present), rose otto (particularly beneficial for women), sandalwood and vetivert (exceptionally grounding).
When treating a particular condition, regular use of essential oils is the key to achieving results (a bit like studying!). Any of the oils suggested for stress can be added to the bath (six to eight drops diluted in a tablespoon of vegetable oil or milk and add to the water just before getting in). Or dilute in aloe vera gel and apply to the feet daily (five to ten drops of essential oil(s) mixed in one tabelspoon of gel will be enough for several applications), this method is extremely effective. Or, in the shower, place six drops of oil (away from the plughole) – the oil will diffuse as you shower, and you will breathe it in; it is also absorbed through the feet. Oil burners are also good diffusers.

Ellen Cox is a qualified professional aromatherapist and a member of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists. She currently practices aromatherapy two days a month in St Brendan’s Retirement Village in Mulranny. She has worked with Atlantic Aromatics for 15 years.

The information in this column is not intended to replace medical advice. Those in need of medical treatment are encouraged to visit their health practitioner.