Although, if you want to use scent to your full advantage, it takes a little more effort than lighting a subtly sweet candle. Yep, we’re talking about aromatherapy: Ahead, experts share the most calming essential oils to fold into your routine and how to use them for prime relaxation. Essentially, your olfactory system can quickly indicate whether an environment is safe or not, and certain essential oil aromas (we’ll get into specifics soon, promise!) contain chemical components that lull your senses and elicit relaxation1. “The connection between scent and emotion is lightning-fast, which is why aromatherapy can be such a powerful tool,” Villafranco continues. “There are many essential oils2 that can calm you down, the most studied of which are citrus oils3 and lavender4.” No diffuser? No problem. “A few drops of essential oil on a tissue placed nearby can act as a mini-diffuser,” Villafranco adds. Additionally, room sprays are great if you’re looking for a moment of pause during a busy day. All it takes is a few spritzes to soothe your senses. Just make sure you properly dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil (jojoba, olive, etc.) before applying. You never want to put an essential oil directly on your skin, as they’re super potent and can cause irritation. If you’re at all concerned about your DIY skills, go ahead and grab a market product. Osmia’s Night Body Oil is a solid choice—it features soothing lavender, cedar, and Roman chamomile with a jojoba and avocado oil base.
