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Gritty Business Buzz | Weekly eZine for Small Business Owners

ISSN 1939-2834
Vol. 2, No. 24 | June 16, 2008

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From the Editor

Does fresh ocean air put you in a peaceful state of mind? Does the smell of cotton candy make you feel the excitement and anticipation of youth? Our olfactory senses can play a big part in our feelings of calm, well-being and energy. You can put this knowledge to use to help combat the daily stress factors you encounter in your workday. Libby McIntyre has some great tips for you this week to do just that.

Be fierce!

Danielle K.

Danielle Keister
Founder & CVO
Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce

Calgon... Take Me Away!

Ever have one of those days? Phones ringing off the hook, problem after problem needing immediate attention, to-do lists piling up... It's times like this we all remember that old commercial line, "Calgon, take me away!" There truly is something to be said for a hot bath infused with essential oils to help soothe and relax you… or even invigorate you. It’s called aromatherapy.

You have probably heard of aromatherapy, but are you familiar with what it can do for you? An ancient art, aromatherapy was used in China, Egypt, the Middle East and by Native Americans before being brought to Europe. By using aromatic oils from flowers, plants and fruits, aromatherapy is often used by massage therapists to help promote well being. Even more popular is the use of oils in burners, diffusers and candles or in home bath products.

Aromatherapy works through our sense of smell where receptors carry scents to a portion of the brain that is connected with instinct, mood and emotion. The power of “scent” is very great. I’m sure you can recall smelling a familiar scent from your past and being brought right back to that pleasant memory. Aromatherapy can be used in your work space as well to set the tone for a happy day, induce calm and reduce stress levels.

It seems business and stress often go hand-in-hand. Perhaps you spend most of your day under harsh fluorescent lighting. Maybe you lack windows to allow the sun to shine through. Combined with business demands, ringing phones and a never ending work load, it’s easy to allow stress to take over.

Lighting a scented candle, using a diffuser or applying hand lotion with a relaxing or invigorating scent can work wonders! Holistic Health News reports that floral water sprays scented with the appropriate aroma can provide aromatherapy benefit and add moisture to the air, refreshing and revitalizing it. You might also choose scents with feel-good memories and associations personal to you.

After a long, hard day, try the scented candles along with scented oils in a warm bath. Why not add a bit of soft music in the background and perhaps a glass of wine, followed by a gently scented lotion? Mmmmmm…. Turn down the lights, lie back and feel the stress of the day slip away.

For relaxation, try an aromatherapy product containing lavender, patchouli, geranium, rose or chamomile. For a more invigorating effect, choose a product containing citrus or spearmint. You can find a list of essential oils that aid in stress management at http://www.aromatherapy-stress-relief.com/oiltable.html.

There are many aromatherapy products available in the marketplace; however, if you consider working with real essential oils, they are very potent and can have harmful effects if not used correctly. It is best to consult with an aromatherapist who is knowledgeable in essential oils and knows how best to use them.

RESOURCE: A wonderful book on this topic is "Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils" by Gabriel Mojay, available in paperback from Amazon.com.

About the Author: As owner of McIntyre Office Assistance, Libby McIntyre has over 16 years of professional experience working as an administrative assistant in various fields for both large and small corporations and local government. She offers professional administrative support to small business owners enabling them to use their time more efficiently in growing their business. Visit Libby’s website at http://www.mcintyreoa.com.

Next FREE Teleseminar on June 19, 2008: Marketing to Attract Your Ideal Client

Nancy Michaels Marketing isn't a one-time event. It's an activity that requires a plan and consistent effort. Your business will also never move forward if you are working with anyone and everyone under the sun instead of just those clients you are meant to serve who have a need for the solution you offer.

But how do you determine who your ideal client is? What are the best ways to reach and connect with them? These questions and more will be answered at our next VACOC Guest Expert Teleseminar on Thursday, June 19, 2008, with Nancy Michaels of Grow Your Business Network.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY >>

- A D V E R T I S E M E N TS -

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Gritty Business Buzz is a weekly newsletter of the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce published each Monday. It is produced by our Virtual Assistant members especially for the gritty, resourceful, fiercely determined small business owners and independent professionals they serve--YOU!

EDITOR: Danielle Keister, The Relief Virtual Assistance

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Denise Shears, Shears Virtual Advantage

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ABOUT THE VACOC: Founded by industry veteran Danielle Keister in 2006, the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce is a professional association committed to empowering business-minded Virtual Assistants grow smarter, more successful practices, and providing business owners with free tools and resources to connect with reputable, qualified Virtual Assistant professionals.

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