Everyone could use a few moments of relaxation in their day—especially right now. Essential oils can help. As a natural solution, many essential oils can help your body and your mind unwind—something that is more important than ever in this time of heightened stress.

It’s easy to use essential oils to add calming moments to your day. To get started, choose an oil that promotes stress reduction. We recommend frankincense, lavender, bergamot or ylang ylang, but there are many more options available. Feel free to read up on the topic and try out a variety of oils until you find the one that works best for you. 

Once you have your oil, choose a method to enjoy it.

Inhale

The simplest way to use essential oils? Just breathe them in and revel in the effects. 

You can either inhale pure essential oils straight from a bottle or put a few drops on a dry material such as a towel or a cotton ball. Then, simply inhale. 

 Relax in the bath (or shower)

Consider adding essential oils to your regular bathing rituals. If you prefer a long hot bath to relax, try adding a few drops of oil to your water while you’re filling the tub. Then, light a few candles to enhance relaxation and enjoy a good soak. If you’re more of a shower person, you can try applying oils to your shower walls. The scent should diffuse into the steam, allowing you to breathe in the benefits.

You can also add essential oils to any of your bath products. For a dreamy exfoliating experience, add a few drops to your body wash. To massage the scent into your hair, combine it with your shampoo and conditioner.

Use a diffuser

Using diffusers is a great way to spread your essential oils throughout a room. If you’re working from home right now, consider placing one in your office to help your stress levels throughout the day. Many people also love keeping one in their bedroom to promote relaxation and improve their night’s sleep. 

There are a variety of diffusers on the market, each with their own benefits. The simplest and most cost-effective option to try is using diffuser reeds—wooden sticks that soak up the essential oils and spread them throughout a room. However, if you’re looking to invest a little more into your experience, you can try a nebulizing diffuser (which turns the oil into a mist), an evaporative diffuser (which causes the oil to evaporate into the air) or a heat diffuser (which warms up the oil to make the scent more intense). Candles infused with essential oils are also a favourite option for many people.

Don’t be afraid to take some time to relax and enjoy your essential oils! Now more than ever, self care is important for everyone—so find a routine that works for you.