Using essential oils proven to relieve (work) stress is probably the easiest and fastest way to get that break you need when you are overwhelmed at work.
Work stress takes a toll on your physical and mental health every day.
Headaches, fatigue, upset stomach, irritability, anger, lack of motivation and even depression and anxiety.
Excessive job stress can even make you lose your appetite and sex drive completely.
But sometimes a simple solution can literally be found under your nose.
In this post you’ll find the 4 best essential oils for stress relief at work – all of them are science-backed (and smell amazing).
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How to Relieve Work Stress with Essential Oils
Unfortunately, most of us find it easy to deal with stress with unhealthy behavior, such as drinking alcohol and smoking.
Since most of us are too stressed (…) to practice stress relief techniques at work (meditation, stretching, cognitive-behavioral methods), aromatherapy and essential oils are a quick, easy, effective and low cost little stress relievers.
It’s tempting to dismiss aromatherapy and essential oils as hippie nonsense — I used to – But there’s actually been quite a bit of scientific research done on aromatherapy in general and some essential oils in particular.
4 Essential Oils Proven to Relieve Stress and Improve Mental Focus
Here are a few of the best essential oils for relieving stress, promoting good moods and improving mental focus at the same time:
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is probably the most medicinally useful botanicals for stress relief, anxiety relief and short-term memory enhancement.
Just apply a few drops on the palm of your hand and inhale deeply. It can be safely used directly on your skin, so you can also rub 2-3 drops and massage them on your templates.
In an April 2012 study, volunteers underwent mood assessments and brain scans after inhaling lavender oil.
Compared to a control group, the lavender oil group categorized themselves as more relaxed but also sharper.
A number of studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including hair loss, anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain.
Lavender is also used for restlessness, nervousness, and digestive problems such as loss of appetite, nausea and upset stomach.
Some natural therapists claim that Lavender oil is so amazing that it’s the only essential oil you’ll ever need. But, it’s important to buy a high-quality lavender essential oil, do not compromise on that please.
2. Lemon Balm Essential Oil
Lemon Balm Oil
The Lemon Balm herb (Melissa) has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. In Europe, it’s still commonly used to help with stress, anxiety and insomnia.
Not only does Lemon Balm essential oil calm your mind, it can also improve your ability to concentrate and solve problems.
In a 2003 study, British students given lemon balm capsules performed better on computer memory tests and tests of calmness.
There’s also been research demonstrating its positive brain benefits for dementia patients when used as aromatherapy.
To use at work, just apply 3-4 drops of high-quality lemon balm on the palms of your hands and inhale deeply.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary Oil
A recent study found that a compound in Rosemary oil (1.8-cineole) can help improve mental speed and accuracy.
Rosemary aromatherapy can also reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promoting calm and contentment, while simultaneously boosting mood and mental performance.
4. Vanilla.
Vanilla Essential Oil
Vanilla is such as powerful anti-anxiety remedy.
According to a study from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, patients who breathed vanilla-scented air while undergoing MRIs reported 63% less anxiety than an unscented air group.
Pure therapeutic vanilla essential oil is a great scent to have around. It appears to have mood enhancing capabilities and stress relieving effects. It’s also anti-inflammatory and thus improves cognitive performance as well.
Note: you can get only one of these wonderful essential oils, or combine and use 2 or more of them to get the extra benefits.
Essential oils are now my favorite way to naturally relieve work stress (while smelling like spring at the same time…).
How about you? Have you ever tried to relieve work stress with aromatherapy? what’s working for you?
To your health and happiness,
Meital
Zequek Estrada says
I think it’s cool that aromatherapy can be used to relieve stress at work. I love how simple this treatment is. I’ve never given a thought to trying essential oil but I’m willing to try out the four that are proven to relieve stress.
Florentina says
Great article about how essential oils can help relieve stress at work. One oil that will work in combination with the mentioned oils is Chamomile oil. Blending in chamomile oil will speed up the results
Patricia says
I honestly think that stress is the building block of future illness(es) and disease(s) if we don’t watch out for it. I always go for aroma therapy if I wanted to de-stress, and lavender is my favorite. On most nights where I can’t sleep, I’ll spray some lavender mist on my pillow and hit the sack. It helped me a lot getting wonderful sleep and when I wake up the next morning, I feel relaxed and recharged.