Stress can sometimes get the best of us and it definitely takes a toll on our health, both mentally and physically. I love, love, love to use aromatheraphy as a safe and gentle way to combat stress. We have been using essential oils to enhance our body, mind and spirit for hundreds of  years. After years and years of research, we have found that our sense of smell can have an enormous influence on our central nervous system. Certain smells can give us a sense of calm, comfort, and relaxation and may even promote restful sleep. Lavender is a very popular fragrance that may combat stress and promote relaxation. Lavender aroma has been shown to increase the frequency of alpha waves after inhaling it for three minutes. Alpha waves are positively associated with relaxation, focus and a meditative state. There are many other oils not to be overlooked. Melissa (lemon balm), Neroli, Chamomile, Bergamot, Sandlewood, and lemon may also be effective fragrances for relieving stress and anxiety, and promoting deep relaxation. You can find essential oils by Aura Cacia in our Healthy Living Department, along with a plethora of aromatherapy offerings: room misters, diffusers and mineral baths, to name a few. Relaxing smells can also be found all around us in nature—a long walk on pine needles in the forest, sweet smells of damp earth from a spring rain, or the awesome aroma of the salty sea. We are blessed! Can you smell where I'm coming from?