Regardless of one's political leanings, Post Election Stress Disorder, PESD is real and is "a thing." The American Psychological Association’s (APA) annual study “Stress in America” conducted over the past decade led to speculation that many people are experiencing what is now being called PESD. According to the study, overall stress levels have increased and are higher than at any time during the past 10 years. No surprise, Americans are simply stressed out.
The report found that increased stress levels have also resulted in higher incidences of both physical and mental health symptoms including headache, feeling overwhelmed, anxiousness, and depression. According to the APA, “quality evidence-based research takes time to complete, however, evidence suggests that this notion of PESD is very real. People in the study are saying they feel disheartened, discombobulated, and distressed by our political climate and the future of the nation. And, these stress symptoms may lead to potential troubles in their personal, social, and occupational functioning as well.”
An international group of students, attending the American College of Healthcare Sciences’ Aromatherapy Boot Camp, located at the college’s Kona, HI campus, through November 8, are learning natural, healthy ways to help achieve a relaxed state of mind and relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety, including PESD. One of their favorite classes is essential oil blending. Students are having the opportunity to create their favorite essential oil blends designed to calm the mind and promote stress relief. Two of the favorite combinations are Neroli, Black Pepper, and Lemon Eucalyptus; and Jasmine, Immortal and Rose.
Graduates of ACHS’s Certificate in Aromatherapy are competent in holistic aromatology that focuses on restoration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health through the application of essential oils and how to blend oils to meet individual needs of their clients.
The Aromatherapy Certificate Program meets the aromatherapy education requirements for the National Aromatherapy Holistic Association (NAHA) Level 2 and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) Professional Level for existing health professionals such as Massage Therapists, Herbalists, Nurses, Physicians, etc. per the NAHA requirements. Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates are eligible to seat for the Aromatherapy Registration Council exam to qualify as a registered aromatherapist.
Graduates that are not existing health professionals are also required to complete qualifying anatomy and physiology training. They meet the curriculum requirements of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists’ Professional Aromatherapy education standards.
One thing we can all likely agree on, is that we all can find better ways to cope with stress and to fine tune our skills and efforts in doing so. And perhaps we can do whatever we can to help others too. After all, we are in this together.
