There is no doubt that teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs but also one of the most stressful. With a continuous list of things-to-do, making the time to look after ourselves and to address our stress levels often falls by the wayside. But with record numbers of teachers leaving the profession each year, this needs to be addressed.Â
Teacher wellbeing is the obvious place to start so we have listed the best essential oil blends and diffusers for teachers. Taking small steps in the direction of restoring calm and tranquility to your life as a teacher will benefit your overall wellbeing. And. it will make you more resilient to the stresses that a career in teaching throws at you.
If you aren’t familiar with essential oils and how to use them we will explain now. If you are, and you are looking for the best essential oil blends and diffusers then feel free to skip straight to our list.
How to use Essential Oils
Essential oils are compounds that are extracted directly from plants.
There is growing scientific evidence to suggest that inhaling essential oils can have a beneficial effect on parts of the brain that regulate emotions and sleep (1, 2,). Their use in this way is referred to as aromatherapy.
As a result, many people have chosen to include essential oils as part of their daily wellbeing routine.
They can be used in diffusers which release the aromas into the air or they can be applied to the skin.
However, if you are planning to apply essential oils directly to the skin, you MUST do your research thoroughly. Essential oils should be mixed with a carrier oil to make them safe for use on skin and should never be applied in undiluted form.
Best Essential Oil Blends for Teachers
- Lavender Oil – Relaxation and Insomnia
Working at full speed for hours on end can make it difficult to apply the breaks at the end of the day.
So, relaxation is vitally important and lavender oil is said to be great at helping people wind down and thought to improve sleep too. Combine it with some breathing exercises when you get home from work or as you go to bed to train your brain to slow down to a more tranquil pace.
- Peppermint Oil – Energy Boosting and Cold Relief
Nearing the end of term, with your energy waning and your immune system on its knees, peppermint oil might be the solution for you.
When applied topically, it is said to help relieve muscle and joint pain and when inhaled it can help alleviate the symptoms of colds.
- Ylang Ylang Oil – Anxiety Relief
This oil has a rich floral smell and many believe it is helpful in relieving anxiety.
So, if you are feeling anxious about workload, or an up and coming performance meeting, a drop or two of Ylang Ylang into your diffuser, may help settle those nerves and restore calm.
Best Essential Oil Diffusers
The natural smooth wood finish to this diffuser helps add to its calming effect and will blend with most home decors beautifully. Available in other wood grain colors including dark brown, rosewood and white.
It has 550ml capacity which means you can leave it running for up-to 12 hours.Â
Another diffuser with a large capacity of 500ml, meaning it can last 10-12 hours without needing to refill the water.Â
The pleasing advantage to this Manli diffuser is the handy remote control. This makes operation easy even if you place your diffuser in a hard to reach place, such as up on a shelf.Â
The LED light with 7 different colors also means this diffuser can act as a soothing night light. Includes waterless auto shutoff.
A small, compact diffuser that won’t take up too much space on a coffee table or shelf.
The ceramic casing and detailing make it an ornate feature, as well as a functional one.
It has 7 LED lighting moods which shine through the details on the surround, casting atmospheric shadows and patterns across your room.
4. InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser
Shaped like a water droplet, it exudes tranquility. Available in 3 colors and a lighted version.
It also has 2 misting modes, a 6-8 hours intermittent mist, great for misting your house over the weekend. Or a continuous mist mode, for an intense relaxation session after a hard day’s work.
Final Thoughts
Before we leave you, we have one more important piece of advice to share.
Whether you are intending using essential oils in a diffuser or to apply them to your skin, using a quality oil is a must.
Essential oils are natural products but many lose their potency in the ways they are extracted. Try to avoid chemically extracted oils and opt for reputable brands.
Finally, looking after your wellbeing as a teacher is top priority. We hope this article helps you make a step towards creating a healthier lifestyle. Remember small steps could result in big changes to your happiness and resilience in the long run.
- Karadag E, Samancioglu S, Ozden D, Bakir E. Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of patients. Nurs Crit Care. 2017 Mar;22(2):105-112. doi: 10.1111/nicc.12198. Epub 2015 Jul 27. PMID: 26211735.
- Agatonovic-Kustrin S, Kustrin E, Gegechkori V, Morton DW. Anxiolytic Terpenoids and Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Depression. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2020;1260:283-296. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-42667-5_11. PMID: 32304038.