The afternoon at the office is dragging on. Your eyes are burning from the fluorescent lights and staring at the computer. The dull ache in your skull signals the beginning of a headache. You’re irritable.
But before you grab a soda or a cup of coffee laden with sugar to perk you up, try something a little more natural. Aromatherapy is a quick and easy way to fight off tension headaches, stress, mental fatigue, and anxiety.
Essential oils like black pepper, peppermint, and rosemary are stimulants that will help chase away tiredness and help restore your natural energy levels. If you’re feeling out of balance and need to be “normalized”, essential oils like lavender, geranium, and bergamot can be stimulating OR relaxing, depending on what you need. And for a general lift in your spirits, try antidepressant scents like geranium, lemon, orange, rosemary, and ylang ylang.
You may notice that some essential oils do more than one thing. They all have multiple properties that can be useful in a variety of situations.
You can use aromatherapy at work without being obvious about it, if you don’t want the world to know what you’re up to. A drop or two of the desired essential oil on a handkerchief or tissue tucked under the corner of your keyboard will look like a remedy for a runny nose — but is really surrounding you with the scent of your choice.
A bottle of lotion on your desk will look innocent, but it is very easy to make your own aromatheraputic blend! Pick up unscented lotion at your local food or drug store and add a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Shake well and you’ve got a perfect remedy for the afternoon blahs. Try a blend of rosemary or peppermint with a citrus like lemon or lime for a mix that will lift your spirits, raise your energy level, and help you focus on your work.
You can always add a few drops of essential oil to a small spritzer filled with water and use it as an air freshener. Just shake and spray! The scent won’t be overpowering like some manufactured room sprays, but you (and your neighbors) will get the benefits of the essential oils! Remember that less is more in your blends!