The Power of Pampering

by WiredBerries Editors — September 25, 2007

A recent study found that 60% of emergency room nurses surveyed suffered from moderate to extreme anxiety. Not so surprising considering they literally deal with life and death situations every day. However, after participating in two 12-week alternative therapy sessions over the course of a year, that percentage fell to a dramatically reduced 8%.

Massages were provided by a qualified therapist who sprayed aromatherapy mist above the heads of participants and then massaged their shoulders, mid back, neck, scalp forehead, and temples, while they listened to relaxing music on headphones. Participants were able to choose the essential oil used, from rose, lavender, lime, or ocean breeze (a combination of lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot and patchouli).

"What is clear from this study is that providing aromatherapy massage had an immediate and dramatic effect on staff who traditionally suffer high anxiety levels because of the nature of their work," said Dr Marie Cooke, Deputy Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia who helped conduct the study. "Introducing stress reduction strategies in the workplace could be a valuable tool for employers who are keen to tackle anxiety levels in high pressure roles and increase job satisfaction."

Even if regular aromatherapy massage won't work into your schedule or budget, the important thing is to find ways of releasing stress that works for you. Maybe that means simply pouring some aromatherapy bath salts into the tub and soaking while you listen to soothing music.