If you enjoy running, then you know how important it is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep. What you may not know is that essential oils for runners may help to improve your overall performance and you don’t have to be a professional athlete to benefit from them.
Running is great exercise that will help increase stamina, build muscles and help you maintain a healthy weight. However, it does require a significant amount of dedication and energy to maintain a regular routine and that is where essential oils come in. Here are some of the ways that these oils have helped runners improve their overall performance.
Essential Oils Can Help You Relax & Sleep
Getting a good night sleep is very important for runners. You can’t perform very well and you’re more at risk for accidents when you’re tired and sleepy. However, many people find it difficult to relax and fall asleep at bedtime. Others wake up throughout the night causing them to feel tired and worn out the next day. It’s hard to get motivated to run when all you want to do is take a nap.
Lavender, valor, Roman chamomile, valerian, cedarwood, orange and vetiver are some of the most popular essential oils to use when you need help relaxing, so you can get a good night sleep.
Essential Oils Relieve Aches & Pains Associated with Running
It’s easy to overdo it when running, which can leave you with sore, achy muscles that make it difficult to get back out there and run regularly. However, certain oils can help relieve these aches and pains naturally. Rosemary is one of the best oils to use for sore muscles. It even helps to relieve depression that often occurs when you’re feeling sore and achy all over.
Clary sage may help if you suffer from cramps and muscle spasms and Roman chamomile has anti-inflammatory agents that can reduce swelling and ease the pain. Chamomile also has a calming effect that helps you relax and rest comfortably so you feel energized and ready to go the next day.
Essential Oils Help Relieve Stress
Feeling stressed and overwhelmed can greatly interfere with your running routine. You may not feel like running when you have a million things on your mind and so much to do. However, not running can actually add to the stress and make you feel worse because you’re missing something that you enjoy.
Rose, ylang ylang, lavender, bergamot and frankincense are excellent essential oils to use when you’re feeling stressed and a bit overwhelmed.
Essential Oils Can Improve Your Overall Health
Lemon, sandalwood, tea tree, myrrh and thyme are used to help enhance the immune system so your body can naturally fight off germs and viruses that make your sick. Eucalyptus essential oil can help improve respiratory function and reduce inflammation. This makes it a great oil to carry with you when running, especially if you tend to have a lot of allergies.
Peppermint is one of the main essential oils runners use because it has so many different benefits. It helps with everything from easing nausea to increasing your alertness. It has helped many runners feel and perform better and it may help you, too.
You don’t have to be a professional runner to take advantage of essential oils. If running is a part of your exercise routine, they may help you get the most from all of your hard work.
