Inhale the essential oil. Exhale the video conference that should have been an email.
As we become more used to working from home and the initial wonder of conference calls, online brainstorming, and home office design has subsided, there’s no shame in admitting that it can get stressful.
Perhaps today was the eighth time the internet collapsed. Maybe your screen sharing just isn’t working. Or maybe your lineman is waiting outside, but you need to finish the presentation before you can greet them.
Who would have thought that working from home can be so stressful?
Always looking for a healthy and holistic way of dealing with stress, we recently turned to essential oils as helpers. Shop some of our favorites below and see which will work best for your home office situations.
[Hero Image Credit: Aesop; Featured Image Credit: UMA Oils]
1
“Yes, I unmuted myself. Yes, I unplugged my headphones. Yeah, I’ll sign out and sign back in. ”For those times when everyone thinks you’re a donut because you can’t get your mic working, go for This’s 100% natural blend of essential oils Works Stress Check Breathe In. The roll-on is easy to use and stands right next to your pens and is intended to counteract both physical and mental fatigue and relieve tension. As for your microphone, and maybe try again …
The star ingredients: frankincense (antiseptic, relaxing), lavender oil (relieves tension)
How to use it: slide over wrists and pulse points, or curl up in your palms and take a deep breath
Price: THB 900 / 8ml
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2
You have to stay focused. We all know what it is like when your rice bowl, som tam, or double cheese pizza hits the door but you can’t leave your meeting to receive it. Tell the delivery person to leave it outside or have someone else pick it up. Your focus needs to stay on your call and this HARNN Aditya Eucalyptus & Spearmint Diffuser Oil can help with that. It is designed to overcome “mental obstacles”, even if those obstacles include a hungry stomach and a talkative boss.
The star ingredients: eucalyptus and spearmint (cooling, refreshing, focusing)
How to use it: Add 3-5 drops to the water you use with your diffuser
Price: THB 1545 / 100ml
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3rd
For those days when you wake up in a rush and struggle to find your way around, use this Muji essential lime oil with your diffuser. The pungent and crisp citrus scent will instantly wake you up and get you out of your dazed morning state. Muji recommends this even in “focus” office or meeting rooms, so it’s really ideal for the home office.
The star ingredients: lime peel (awakens and promotes concentration)
How to use it: add 3-5 to the water you use with your diffuser
Price: THB 390 / 10ml
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4th
Do you know the feeling when someone texts you and invites you to a meeting in 2 minutes and you don’t have time to prepare? Do you know when it is your sole fault because your online calendar breaks down? Do not fret. For moments when you need to breathe and regain your balance, this Aesop Anouk oil burner blend is your savior. It describes itself as “the perfect antidote to stress and rush” and can thus help combat the feeling of unexpected work surprises.
The star ingredients: lemon peel, ylang ylang, bergamot peel (all calming)
Use: add 3-5 drops to the oil burner and refill frequently
Price: THB 1250 / 25ml
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5
It’s easy to get so bogged down in monthly reports and emails and insta-stalking your coworkers that you forget to watch your posture, relax your eyes, and straighten your limbs. For that extra boost, we love the UMA Pure Energy Wellness Oil, which was developed as a “healthy alternative to caffeine” to help maintain energy levels. Get up and do a few jumping jacks, cat and cow yoga poses, or just a shoulder roll. If the energy level is dropping this is a good choice.
The star ingredients: rosemary (relieves exhaustion), peppermint (promotes alertness and creativity)
Application: massage 4-5 drops onto pulse points, temples, behind the ears and inhale deeply from the hands
Price: THB 3840 / 30ml
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6th
You shouldn’t be eating at your keyboard. In particular, you should avoid eating chips or cookies, which may leave crumbs on your keyboard. To inspire you to eat healthily and have less screen time, opt for THANN’s Eden Breeze essential oil. It is reminiscent of a lush garden in bloom and can help to bring mind and spirit back into harmony and perhaps make you want to take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood – in contrast to a supermarket aisle.
The star ingredients: jasmine and rose (both calming)
How to use: Put 5-6 drops in an aroma diffuser with water to add 5-6 drops in warm water for a nice bath
Price: THB890 / 10ml
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7th
When everything seems to be coming your way at once, focus on your breathing – and inhale this Panpuri Awaken Orange Peel & Frankincense Pure Essential Oil Blend. Uplifting and motivating, the mineral oil is a mood lift that, with its strong scent, can help boost energy and lift your mood. Have you tried meditation before? Close your eyes for a few minutes.
The star ingredients: orange peel (antibacterial, uplifting), incense (relieves anxiety), Indian sandalwood (can treat headaches)
Application: Put 4-8 drops of water in an oil burner or diffuser
Price: THB 2250 / 30ml
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8th
If essential oils are too annoying for you in your day-to-day work, you can also use them as a treat at the end of the work day. This pure Jurlique Lavender essential oil is a great way to sit back and relax after hours above your desk. As one of the more traditional (but hugely popular) essential oils, it’s a lovely way to mentally teleport into a French lavender field. Play like there’s no WiFi there either.
The star ingredients: Lavender (balancing and calming)
Usage: Add 5-7 drops of water in a diffuser or burner, or take things to the next level and combine with a carrier oil to use for massage
Price: THB 600 / 10ml
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