Aromatherapy is just what your WFH life needs.
This piece was originally published for cherie.com on 9/28/2020.
What if there was a scent that could uplift your mood in an instant? Or one that could help you sleep better? Or even a scent that could give you a burst of energy? It may seem farfetched, but these scents already exist! Essential oils are the wellness product your life is missing. Their strong scents help elicit certain feelings and emotions within you; also known as aromatherapy.
According to WebMD, aromatherapy works by "[activating] areas in your nose called smell receptors, which send messages through your nervous system to your brain. The oils may activate certain areas of your brain, like your limbic system, which plays a role in your emotions." Think of aromatherapy similar to when you smell a familiar scent and it triggers a memory—but instead of a memory, essential oils can trigger positive emotions.
Convinced yet? Keep reading to see how you can incorporate essential oils throughout your day to cater to your moods!
1. Desk-side diffuser to minimize your WFH stress
When you're working from home, sitting by your computer all day completing task after task, meeting after meeting, the stress can really pile on. Set a diffuser right by your desk to help keep your spirits lifted! I love using simple essential oils and mixing them to create my own blend. Vitruvi recently released their Home Refresh Kit featuring four limited edition essential oils—and they all smell bold, bright, and fresh. Whether you grab Vitruvi's scents or try to find dupes of it on your own, check out their recipe card below for some oh-so revitalizing essential oil blends to fill your workspace (and home) with!
2. Anytime nasal inhalers for a jolt of energy
Having one of these essential oil inhalers handy has made a serious difference in helping me stay positive throughout the day. I love using the 'Energy' inhaler from Saje when I'm feeling lethargic and the 'Grounded' inhaler from Hellen NYC for when I start to feel overwhelmed and nervous. Both of these inhalers have incredible scents that really help bring me back to earth, feeling better about myself and my day!
Hellen NYC's inhaler comes with a suggested ritual and music as well; you play the included track, inhale through one nostril, then the other, hold for a few seconds, and exhale.
3. Aromatherapy neck pillow for shoulder tension relief
I don't have this product but recently saw it on my fellow cherie teammate @jenny during a Zoom call! She says: "Found this hidden gem in the checkout line at CVS and 'aromatherapy' and 'tension relief' were the magical words to convince me to add it to my shopping cart. This weighted neck wrap smells like a luxurious spa and can be heated or chilled to your preferences. I let this gently rest on my shoulders as I work at home to help ease any stiffness or tension in my upper body. Best part is that it feels like a warm, soft hug and helps melt any stress away!"
4. Essential oil-infused hair care for a scent trail of essential oils wherever you go
You know when you have an amazing smelling leave-in conditioner and the scent follows you throughout the day? Now imagine if that scent was an uplifting essential oil! Ankh Hair's Monarch Hair Oil has an essential oil blend that smells invigorating and energizing. I use this every time I wash my hair and the scent has literally lasted for DAYS. Whenever I get a whiff of the scent, I immediately feel a little bit brighter, and a little bit happier.
