Add essential oils to your list of travel essentials to reduce business travel stress.
While it may seem that essential oils used for aromatherapy have recently hit the spotlight, they have been around for over a century. Essential oils are a simple, natural and effective way to combat specific problems you may be experiencing. Frequent business travelers experience stress and strain on a regular basis. According to the Economist, business travelers, when compared to working non-travelers, experience a greater toll of psychological, physical and emotional stress.
Essential oils are extracted from plants, roots, and rinds. The oils are typically blended or diluted and then applies on the skin, diffused into the air or inhaled. WebMD explains, “Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating. The oils are thought to interact with the body’s hormones and enzymes to cause changes in blood pressure, pulse, and other body functions.”
Essential oils make the perfect travel companion for any business traveler. In addition to the convenient small (some even come in travel-size, roll-on bottles), essential oils are an easy solution and a natural alternative to turning to over the counter medications to help ease your ailments. Each essential oil has its own unique benefits. Here are six essential oils for travelers:
Orange Essential Oil
This is a must for every business traveler! The scent of this orange essential oil helps to reduce stress, improve mood, and helps you to feel more energized. This is great when you have to make it into that morning meeting with a smile on your face after a red-eye flight.
Lavender Essential Oil
Having trouble relaxing and falling asleep while trying to adjust to the time zone of whatever place your work has brought you? Lavender essential oil can help with this problem. Try mixing two parts water to every drop of oil and spritzing it on your pillow before bed. The lavender scent will help to relax your body, relieve stress, and help you to fall asleep.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
No matter how many Airbornes you take before your flight, there will always be that one cold or flu you caught on the plane, that your body doesn’t fight off. When you need a quick solution, reach for your eucalyptus essential oil! Place a few drops of this oil in a diffuser or humidifier, with a bit of water and it will clear your sinuses right up.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Whether your flight is an hour or sixteen, your body will likely be a bit achy. Rub or roll on some peppermint essential oil to the affected area to relieve some of the tension and numb some of the pain.
Lemongrass Essential Oil
Constantly traveling and being away from home can really take a toll on your emotional state. Lemongrass essential oil provides anti-depressant properties that can help to improve your mood throughout your travels.
Citronella Essential Oil
Most of us are familiar with citronella candles, used to keep mosquitoes at bay. However, when traveling to a place filled with these pesky insects, citronella essential oil can be a lifesaver. Apply a few drops of the oil on your skin before going outside to ensure mosquitos won’t bite.
What are your travel essentials for stress reduction?
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Business Travel Life is not a licensed medical care provider and represents that it has no expertise in diagnosing, examining, or treating medical conditions of any kind, or in determining the effect of any treatments on a medical condition.
Business Travel Life
Business Travel Life is an online resource supporting the road warrior lifestyle. We give business travelers the tools they need to maintain their wellness and productivity when traveling. The topics we cover include business travel tips, travel workouts, healthy travel hacks, travel products, general travel tips, and industry trends. Our goal is to make business travel a healthier experience – and to make healthy travel practices more accessible to all road warriors.
