Caregiver Stress? How Essential Oils Can Help

Most of us at some point in our lives will need to step up as caregivers. Whether it’s a parent, a child, a sibling, or a dear friend, there are times when people in our lives need our ongoing support and care. At e3 we care about our caregivers and want to share how essential oils can help them with their own health and well-being.

I have two family members dealing with cancer diagnosis, so I have a renewed understanding of the blessings and the challenges of caregiving. As a caregiver, you are naturally focused on your loved one’s well-being. The danger is you don’t realize that your own health and well-being might be taking a hit.

I discovered an article on the Mayo Clinic that recommended you watch for these signs of caregiver stress:

“Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried”
“Feeling tired often”
“Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep”
“Gaining or losing weight”
“Becoming easily irritated or angry”
“Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy”
“Feeling sad”
“Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems”
“Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications”

Don’t ignore these symptoms, because over the long-term stress can have a negative impact on your health. Also, don’t feel guilty for being human! Even the most resilient person will feel the strain of caregiving, especially over an extended period of time. But remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be in a position to care for anyone else.

What can you do to better manage caregiver stress?

• Find & accept help. If friends and family offer to help, take them up on their offer! You may even want to create a list of ways that others can help you, so when someone volunteers you can let them choose what they would like to do.
• Get support. Find out if there are caregiving resources and/or services in your community. You may also want to join a support group, which can provide you with validation and encouragement from people who understand what you’re going through. And make time to stay connected with your friends and family. Don’t make the mistake of isolating yourself.
• Establish a healthy routine. A good sleep night’s sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet – these things are more important than ever when you’re dealing with caregiver stress. You may also want to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss any health concerns.
• Pamper yourself now and then. Get a massage, take a relaxing bath, go to a movie… Basically, give yourself permission to relax. (Find relaxing DIY recipes here, especially formulated to relax and uplift caregivers.)

Many caregivers I’ve spoken with find essential oils to not only be a good way to pamper themselves but very therapeutic! Do you have a favorite essential oil or blend that helps you handle the extra stress that comes with caregiving?

Essential Oils for Caregivers

Here are three e3 blends that we’ve formulated that you may find helpful to help with caregiver stress:

Courageous
This blend is designed to calm, relax, and settle the mind and body, while promoting mental clarity and fortitude. (Ingredients: Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, Rosewood)

Peace
This blend is designed to create a sense of inner calm and stillness. (Ingredients: Lavender, Orange Sweet, Patchouli, Tangerine, Ylang Ylang Extra)

Serenity
This blend is designed to calm, comfort, and stabilize, while enveloping the psyche in tranquility and peace. (Ingredients: Bergamot, FCF, Cedarwood USA, Frankincense, Lime, Rose, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Extra)

We at e3 love that we can use our essential oils to support caregivers. And even if you’re not a professional caregiver, you do take care of someone on a daily basis…perhaps your children or your partner, and you should definitely be taking care of yourself! These essential oils are for you too. Click here to read about different ways to apply and benefit from these essential oil blends. Do you have a question about how to use essential oils? Please contact us – we’re here to assist you!