Rise and Shine: Setting a Positive Tone for the Workday

For many of us, just getting into “work mode” in the morning is a challenge. Perhaps you wake up anxious about the to-do list, or you’re simply not a morning person. I had a client, James, who described his mornings as “a frantic fog – I’m barely awake but already stressed.” We transformed his routine with a few intentional steps, including essential oils, to flip the script.

Morning Diffusion Ritual: James started waking up 15 minutes earlier (I know, easier said than done, but it paid off). First thing, he’d drink a big glass of water with a drop of doTERRA Lemon oil to hydrate and feel refreshed (lemon in water can gently cleanse and wake up your system). Then, as he got dressed, he diffused Wild Orange and Peppermint in his bedroom. The aroma filled the space and his mind. Wild Orange’s sweet citrus scent is very uplifting, and Peppermint is invigorating – together they create an energizing environmentdoterra.com. He reported that this simple act changed his mood from dread to “Alright, I got this.” By the time he left for work, he was notably more alert and optimistic.

If you’re not into diffusing in the morning, even inhaling an oil from your palms can do the trick. I personally keep a bottle of doTERRA Motivate® Encouraging Blend by my bathroom sink. After brushing my teeth, I put a drop in my hands, cup them over my nose, and take a few deep breaths. Motivate is a blend of mint and citrus oils designed to counteract feelings of negativity or doubtdoterra.com, and I truly feel a shift towards confidence and enthusiasm after using it. It’s become my “liquid courage” before I head out the door or turn on the computer.

Sunshine in a Bottle for the Commute: If you drive, you can use a car diffuser or simply a cotton ball with a drop of oil tucked into an air vent. Great choices are doTERRA Cheer® (Uplifting Blend) or Bergamot (known as the “oil of self-confidence”). If you take public transit, a diffuser necklace or bracelet can give you a personal bubble of calming or energizing aroma amidst the commute chaos. I had a colleague who rubbed a drop of Balance® Grounding Blend on her scarf each morning – on crowded trains, it helped keep her centered instead of frazzled by the environment.

The idea is to proactively manage your emotions before you enter work. By grounding or uplifting yourself in advance, you carry that resilience with you. Research has shown that certain oils like Citrus oils high in limonene can promote a positive mooddoterra.com, and mint oils can increase alertness and focusdoterra.com. So we’re not just talking placebo; there’s some science to back up why smelling these scents affects our brains (remember, aromatics hit the limbic system which governs moodmiraclebotanicals.com).

Focus and Flow: Staying Centered Amidst Workplace Chaos

Once at work, the barrage of emails, meetings, and multitasking can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel scattered or anxious when demands pile up. This is where I find essential oils to be lifesavers for concentration and calm under pressure.

Diffuse for Concentration: If you have a desk or office where you can use a diffuser (check your company’s policy or be mindful if colleagues have sensitivities – many are totally fine with gentle scents, especially if you choose universally pleasant ones like citrus or mild herbal), here are some of my favorite “productivity blends”:

• Peppermint + Rosemary: Peppermint invigorates the mind, and Rosemary has been studied for enhancing memory and cognitive performance. In fact, one study noted improved memory test scores in a Rosemary-scented room. The combination smells fresh and herby. I call it my “deadline blend” – when I’m on a tight schedule, this keeps me sharp.

• Lemon + Frankincense: Lemon oil, as we know, uplifts and also helps clear mental cobwebs. Frankincense is more subtle, very grounding and described as “soothing and rejuvenating”doterra.com. Together they create an atmosphere of calm focus – perfect for tasks that require both creativity and concentration. I use this when writing detailed reports or crafting presentations, as it helps me stay on task without feeling tense.

• Adaptiv™ Calming Blend: doTERRA’s Adaptiv is pre-formulated with Wild Orange, Lavender, Spearmint, Copaiba, Rosemary, Neroli, and Sweetgum – a mix intended to reduce feelings of stress and improve attention. I have a small USB diffuser that I plug into my laptop with Adaptiv oil during intense work sessions. It keeps me surprisingly even-keeled. Co-workers have popped by saying “Wow, it smells good in here, what is that?” and it’s a great conversation starter about wellness at work.

If diffusing isn’t an option, personal inhalers (little essential oil sniffer sticks) or simply opening a bottle and taking a whiff periodically can help refocus your mind. I gave a friend a sample of doTERRA Thinker™ (Focus Blend for kids) – don’t let the “for kids” fool you, it works on adults too! It has Vetiver, Peppermint, Clementine, and Rosemary. She uses it like a scented highlighter – every time she feels her mind wandering, she swipes Thinker on her wrists, takes a breath, and gets back to the spreadsheet with renewed clarity.

Stressful Moments Toolkit: Work inevitably has those hair-pulling moments – an upsetting email, a tech failure right before a meeting, a conflict with a colleague. How you manage these spikes of stress affects your overall emotional state and productivity. I recommend creating a small “stress relief kit” in your desk drawer:

• A bottle of Lavender or doTERRA Serenity® blend – known for calming. A quick inhale or applying a drop to your pulse points can take the edge off. Lavender’s chemical constituents (like linalool) have been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effectsfrontiersin.orgdoterra.com.

• Balance Grounding Blend (a mix of spruce, ho wood, frankincense, blue tansy, etc.): I keep Balance in a roller. In a heated moment, I’ll step away (even to the restroom if that’s the only private spot), roll Balance on my wrists and take deep breaths. It’s remarkable how it helps my heart rate slow down and my thoughts organize. doTERRA Balance is specifically crafted to ease stress and create a tranquil environmentdoterra.com, which can be applied to a stressful office environment too.

• Peppermint beadlets or gum: These tiny edible beadlets of Peppermint oil do two things – freshen your breath (always nice at work) and provide an internal cooling calm when you sort of “freeze” one on your tongue. Peppermint internally has a settling effect on the tummy and can clear tension (some of my clients use it instead of reaching for a stress snack like candy or chips).

• A reminder note: This one isn’t an oil, but I often suggest sticking a small note or affirmation for yourself in that kit (e.g., “Breathe. This will pass.” or “I handle challenges with grace.”). Pairing that with an oil ritual can really shift your mindset under duress.

I recall one incident where my computer crashed right before a virtual training I was hosting. My heart was racing; I could feel panic rising. I grabbed my Adaptiv Calming Mist (doTERRA makes a spray with the Adaptiv blend) and spritzed around myself while repeating “It’s okay, you’ve prepared, you’ll recover this.” The combination of the soothing aroma and the affirming self-talk kept me from melting down. I got the computer rebooted and even though I started the meeting 5 minutes late, I was able to show up composed. One attendee even commented, “You’re always so calm, Grace!” – if only they knew I had been panicking five minutes prior! That’s the beauty of having these tools; they help us appear and eventually truly be calmer and more in control.

Emotional Ambiance: Influencing the Workplace Positively

Beyond managing your personal emotions, essential oils can subtly influence the broader workplace atmosphere. Scent is powerful – it can make a space feel welcoming or invigorating, and even impact others’ moods (in a good way). While I always advise being considerate (ask colleagues if they’re okay with certain scents or use very mild diffusion in shared areas), I’ve found that many offices have jumped on the diffuser bandwagon in public spaces like lobbies or break rooms.

For instance, one office reception I visited was diffusing doTERRA Citrus Bliss® (Invigorating Blend) in the mornings. That combination of citrus and vanilla is universally pleasing – it made me feel cheerful as soon as I walked in. The receptionist told me they started diffusing oils to replace the plug-in air fresheners and that everyone noticed the difference – fewer complaints of “office smell” and people lingered to chat in reception more, probably because it just felt good there.

If you have a say in your work environment’s fragrance (or lack thereof), here are some ideas:

• Common Areas: Diffuse Lemon + Grapefruit for a bright, clean scent that also can heighten people’s alertness. These are unlikely to bother folks as they’re very clean-smelling. Also, both oils have purifying properties – Lemon is known to cleanse the airdoterra.com.

• During Meetings: I knew a manager who would bring a portable diffuser to long strategy meetings. He’d ask the team’s okay first, then diffuse Peppermint + Orange or sometimes Rosemary + Lemon in the conference room. People reported feeling more focused and less drowsy. It became an inside joke that the diffuser was their “secret productivity weapon.” (Of course, now many just use a passive diffuser or spray on a cotton ball in HVAC, because not all offices allow visible diffusers in meetings.)

• Stressful Seasons: Think tax season in an accounting firm or the crunch before a big event. This is a time to employ calming oils building-wide if possible. Lavender, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang diffused lightly can take the collective tension down a notch. Bergamot in particular is both calming and uplifting, often used for anxiety relief. A study published in 2017 found that inhaling Bergamot oil in a workplace setting reduced negative emotions and fatigue in participants.

I did a consult for a small startup where the CEO was very wellness-oriented. He made a “scent schedule” – Monday motivation (diffuse Motivate blend), Wednesday mid-week de-stress (diffuse Adaptiv blend), Friday celebration (diffuse Elevation or Cheer blend). The employees actually loved it and said it gave a unique character to their office culture. It became part of their brand in a way – clients would walk in and comment how good it smelled and how calm yet energized the office vibe was.

Now, I understand not every workplace will be open to such practices. If yours isn’t, don’t worry – you can still harness these tools personally in subtle ways:

• Diffuser jewelry: As mentioned, this is a private way to have your supportive scent with you. A lava bead bracelet with a drop of doTERRA Forgive® (Renewing Blend) helped one of my friends cope with a difficult coworker; every time she felt anger or frustration rising, she’d twist her bracelet and inhale the forgiving aroma, reminding her to let go of the negativity. It helped her maintain professionalism and not carry that anger home.

• On-the-go Inhaler: A tiny inhaler in your pocket – you can discreetly use it in the restroom or a quiet moment. One client labeled hers “Composure” – she had Lavender, Frankincense, and a touch of Spearmint in it. Before tough phone calls, she’d take a few sniffs. Her colleagues just thought she had some allergies and was using a nasal inhaler – never realizing it was her stress secret!

Afternoon Slump Antidotes: Boosting Mood and Energy

We’ve all been there: 2 or 3pm hits and your brain feels like molasses, your eyes heavy. The traditional fix might be a coffee run or a sugary snack, but those often lead to crashes or jitters. Aromatherapy offers a healthier pick-me-up.

Desk Stretch and Scent Break: I encourage taking a 5-minute break in the afternoon to move and reset. Stand up, stretch your arms and neck, maybe walk to the window. While doing that, use an oil:

• Peppermint (again, star player for energy) – one drop in your palm inhaled deeply can literally feel like a breath of fresh air for your mind. Peppermint has a high content of menthol which stimulates the hippocampus area of the brain, helping with focus and wakefulness.

• EnERGize Blend (DIY): If you want something different, try Black Pepper + Orange. Black Pepper oil is surprisingly good at perking up alertness (and no, it doesn’t make you sneeze in this small amount!). It has a warm, spicy aroma that combined with sweet Orange is both grounding and motivating. A teacher friend of mine swears by diffusing Black Pepper and Wild Orange in her classroom during the last period to keep students attentive – and herself too.

• Eucalyptus or Easy Air (Breathe): These oils rich in eucalyptol open up breathing and thereby can increase oxygen flow. Sometimes an afternoon slump is exacerbated by shallow breathing from sitting all day. Inhale Eucalyptus and take deep breaths – you’ll likely feel more oxygenated and refreshed. Plus, Eucalyptus gives a mental clarity boost and can relieve that stuffy-headed feeling from sitting indoors.

Mood Lifting: Slumps aren’t just about energy; sometimes our mood dips. Maybe stress from earlier, or just circadian rhythm, but you might feel a bit low or irritable mid-afternoon. This is when I love the doTERRA Cheer® blend. As its name suggests, it’s formulated to cheer you up – with citrus and spice oils that are bright and warming. I keep a Cheer Touch (prediluted roller) and swipe it on pulse points around 3pm. The scent is like sunshine and cinnamon rolls – hard to describe, but it definitely brings a smile to my face. According to doTERRA product info, Cheer counteracts negative emotions and promotes feelings of optimismdoterra.com. I can attest that on gloomy days, it helps me push through with a positive attitude.

Another trick: diffuse music with your oils. If possible, put on an upbeat song for a few minutes while diffusing an energizing oil. The combination of aroma and music can break the monotony and shake off that slump. One office I visited had a “3pm dance break” tradition – just one song of dancing or swaying at your desk, optional for those who wanted. They diffused Elevation blend (which has Florals and Citrus to “elevate” mood) during it. I thought it was brilliant. Everyone returned to work laughing and more productive.

Calming Conflict and Anxiety: Emotional First Aid at Work

Not all workplace emotions are about energy and focus. There are also those tough moments – conflict with a coworker, anxiety before presenting to the boss, or feelings of self-doubt creeping in during a challenging project. Here’s how essential oils can be your emotional first aid kit in such times:

• Before a Presentation or Meeting: It’s normal to feel nerves. I’ve had clients who used Adaptiv capsules (which contain GABA and calming botanicals as well as oils) an hour before big presentations to take the edge off anxiety. Aromatically, Lavender and Bergamot are a powerful combo for anxiety. If you have a moment, step into the restroom or a quiet corner, put a drop of Lavender on your scarf or collar, and inhale. Studies show Lavender aromatherapy can significantly reduce anxiety levelsfrontiersin.org. Bergamot too has been shown to help with stress; one study found that people who inhaled Bergamot oil in a workplace setting felt more positive and had less cortisol (the stress hormone) than those who didn’tgoodtherapy.org. Many of doTERRA’s blends for stress include Bergamot (like Adaptiv and Cheer).

• Conflict Diffusion: If a conversation is getting heated, consider diffusing a calming oil in the background or even offering the other person an oil (“Hey, my hands are dry, want some of this calming lotion?” – with Serenity or Adaptiv oil in it – it sounds silly but I’ve done this with a stressed coworker and it shifted the mood). It obviously doesn’t solve the conflict, but it can create a slightly more relaxed environment to have the discussion. On a personal level, after a tough meeting, I’ll take a dab of Console® Comforting Blend and rub it over my heart area. Console is a blend with floral and tree oils (like Rose, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense) meant to soothe emotional pain or upset. It’s like a hug in a bottle. It steadies my breathing and reminds me to respond with composure, not react in anger or frustration.

• Overcoming “Impostor Syndrome”: That nagging feeling that you’re not good enough at work or people will “find out you’re a fraud” – a lot of us have been there. I use oils to cultivate confidence. doTERRA’s Brave™ Courage Blend (for kids line) is actually wonderful for adults facing self-doubt. It has Wild Orange, Cinnamon, Amyris, and Osmanthus. A friend of mine rolls Brave on her wrists every time she has to speak up in a meeting which intimidates her. She said it’s become a scent anchor – as soon as she smells it, she remembers previous times she succeeded and it bolsters her courage. Another oil for this is Clary Sage – interestingly, Clary Sage has a component called sclareol that can have an uplifting, semi-euphoric effect for some. It’s a strong herbal scent, so maybe blend with Orange to make it more pleasant, but it has been traditionally used for confidence and clarity.

Managing Emotions Over the Long Term: While oils provide immediate support, over time you’ll find that using them regularly at work helps you build emotional resilience. It’s like your mind creates positive associations: Peppermint = I can wake up and tackle this; Lavender = I am calm under pressure; Citrus = work can be enjoyable. These little rituals and sensory cues train your brain towards those desired states.

One of my proudest moments was when a former skeptical colleague came to me and said, “Hey, do you have any more of that oil that makes you happy? I have a rough project and I think it might help.” People notice the difference in you – your calm, your positive energy – and often they’ll want to try it too. And thus, the workplace slowly becomes a happier place for everyone.

Wrapping Up the Workday with Gratitude

At the end of the day, managing emotions in the workplace isn’t just about getting through the day – it’s also about ending on a good note so you don’t carry negative energy home. I have a habit of doing an “oil change” after work. When I shut my laptop or leave the office, I use a transitioning oil – something like doTERRA Forgive® (Renewing Blend) or Sandalswood. I inhale it and consciously let go of any work frustrations, make a note of what I did accomplish, and then set an intention like, “Now I’m going to relax and enjoy my evening.” The aroma often signals my brain to switch roles – from Coach/Manager Grace to Mom/Wife Grace at home.

You might find your own ritual – maybe using Eucalyptus in a hot shower after work to symbolically “wash away” the day, or diffusing Peace® blend in your car on the drive home to release stress (its warm, comforting scent is perfect for unwinding). These practices ensure you truly decompress and can recharge for the next day.

In conclusion, essential oils are a potent toolkit for navigating the emotional landscape of work. They won’t remove the deadlines or difficult people, but they can help you show up as your best self – more centered, positive, and resilient. And when you do that, you often influence the work culture around you in wonderful ways. I’ve witnessed teams become more cohesive, offices become more pleasant, and individuals thrive rather than just survive at work, all with the aid of these natural solutions.

Give some of these ideas a try. Maybe start with a simple one: tomorrow morning, inhale some Wild Orange and Peppermint and see how you feel heading into work. Or at the next stressful email, pause and roll on some Lavender before replying. Small shifts can lead to big changes in your work experience.

As always, I’m here to help customize these approaches for you. If you have a specific work challenge or are curious which oils might suit your job environment best, reach out to me. I’ve consulted for offices and coached individuals, and I’m passionate about making the 9-to-5 (or 8-to-6!) emotionally healthier for everyone. Work is such a big part of life – let’s make it a space of growth and good feelings, not just grind. With a little aromatic boost, you might just fall in love with Mondays… or at least not dread them!

Sources: Aromatherapy effects on stress and mooddoterra.comfrontiersin.org; doTERRA blends for discouragement and anxious feelingsdoterra.comdoterra.com; Uplifting properties of citrus oilsdoterra.com; Calming impact of Lavender and Balance blendsdoterra.comfrontiersin.org.