'Essential' Tips to Beat 'Credit Crunch Stress'

Falling house prices, increasing bills, shrinking credit and gloomy economic forecasts are not only threatening our financial security, but are also starting to damage the nation's health. Headaches, depression, nausea, sleeplessness and exhaustion are just a few of the symptoms of today's most topical health condition, ‘credit crunch stress'.

I've put together my Essential Credit Crunch Survival Plan, full of natural tips and affordable remedies to help you counteract the stresses and strains of these difficult economic climes.

Beat the blues

Feeling low, irritable, forgetful, and finding it harder to concentrate can all be symptoms of stress. Use our therapeutic essential oils, instead of expensive air fresheners and scented candles, to relax and re-energise your mind and body at minimal cost. Try Bergamot (natures prozac) for its uplifting qualities, Cedarwood for courage and to calm mental anxiety, Grapefruit to refresh and gently lift the spirits or Rose to relieve tension and combat feelings of sadness.

Use these essential oils in an oil burner or add a few drops to a duster to fragrance your home.

Don't panic!

Panic attacks may be a symptom of stress and anxiety. Try Clary Sage essential oil which can have a euphoric effect similar to alcohol. This was reputedly used in conjunction with Ylang Ylang to perfume the wartime rooms of American servicemen who wanted to encourage the girls they dated to relax and overcome their inhibitions. Frankincense can also help balance the emotions and help with nervous tension.

Alternatively try Potions & Possibilities Relax and Unwind Bath and Shower Gel with Palmarosa, Frankincense, Geranium and Ylang Ylang 200ml RRP £7.99 or Relaxation Relief pulse point balm with Neroli, Rose and Ylang Ylang 15g RRP £4.99.

Reboot energy levels

Citrus oils, in particular Lemon, Orange Sweet and Lime, contain high levels of Limonene which is a chemical proven to stimulate the mind and counteract fatigue. They offer a natural caffeine-free solution for boosting energy levels. Lime often achieves better results as we are now over accustomed to the scent of lemon, which is used synthetically in everything from cleaning products to foodstuffs.

If you're feeling mentally or physically "fragile" try the softer and quite exquisite Green Mandarin. Bathing daily with 3 drops of Green Mandarin, 1 drop of Lime and 2 drops of Frankincense (added to the bath or mixed with 50mls of fragrance free shower gel) will provide an effective solution for problem fatigue.

For ready to use versions try the Potions & Possibilities Anti-Fatigue Bath and Shower Gel with Ginger, Ginseng and Lemon 200ml RRP £7.99, Fatigue Relief pulse point balm with Lemongrass, Geranium and Grapefruit 15g RRP £4.99 or the Executive Stress Relief Luxury Bath Oil with Bergamot, Sandalwood, Oakmoss, Green Mandarin and Clary Sage 150ml RRP £12.99.

...And to sleep

Stress and anxiety is the enemy of a good night's sleep. For a relaxing bath add 4 to 10 drops of essential oil. Try Rose, Neroli, or Chamomile and mix with milk first to help the oils disperse in the water. At bedtime use a gentle lavender room spray or if sleep is not an immediate priority use a few drops of Ylang Ylang (an exotically fragranced aphrodisiac) in an oil burner for a sensual end to the day.

Try Potions & Possibilities Lavender Room Spray RRP £6.50, ...and to Sleep Bath & Shower Gel 200ml RRP £7.99, Ultra Relaxing Luxury Bath Oil 150ml RRP £12.99 or ...and to Sleep pulse point balm 15g RRP £4.99.

If you have any specific questions or need further advice please email me and I'll be delighted to help.