If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with constant racing thoughts, struggling with sleep, or feeling unusually irritable, stress and anxiety could be taking a toll on your mental and physical well-being. It’s no surprise that many of us are grappling with these emotions, especially given the challenges of modern life, family obligations, and the ongoing pressures of work or school.

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. The good news is that essential oils offer a natural way to manage these feelings and bring some relief. Not only can they help reduce stress and anxiety, but they also offer additional health benefits like immune system support and improved sleep.

To fully address stress, it’s important to take a holistic approach. Along with using essential oils, I recommend practices like prayer, meditation, or journaling to help reset your mindset and better manage life’s challenges.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

How Essential Oils Can Help with Stress and Anxiety

Essential oils work in various ways to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Their powerful chemical compositions interact with the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotions, helping to shift your mood and reduce feelings of tension. You can use essential oils in several ways—through inhalation, topical application, or even ingestion (when using high-quality, pure oils like those from doTERRA).

How to Use Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

• Aromatic Use: Diffuse the oils or inhale directly from the bottle for quick relief.
• Topical Use: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to areas of tension or stress, such as the back of the neck, wrists, or temples.
• Internal Use: Only with oils that are certified for ingestion, like doTERRA oils, you can add a drop to water or take it in a veggie capsule. Be sure to use only oils from reputable sources and always consult a medical professional before ingesting any oils.

Top Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

Essential oils are categorized based on the source of their fragrance—trees, flowers, citrus fruits, and more. Each type brings unique benefits, and they can be combined for a more personalized experience.

Tree Oils
Tree oils are grounding and calming, making them perfect for relieving stress and anxiety. They have a soothing effect on the nervous system and help restore balance.

• Frankincense: Known for its relaxing effects, Frankincense is excellent for meditation and stress relief. It also supports immune function and cellular health, which is helpful when stress takes a toll on your body.
• Douglas Fir: This oil boosts your immune system and promotes a positive mood, especially during times of high stress.
• Siberian Fir: Helps balance emotions and ease anxious feelings, making it a great option for diffusing before bedtime or applying in a calming massage.
• Copaiba: While it has a more subtle aroma, Copaiba is effective for reducing stress and inflammation. It can be used internally or topically, especially on the soles of your feet.

Citrus Oils
Citrus oils are uplifting and energizing, making them ideal when you need a mood boost or to shake off feelings of sadness. Many of these oils are versatile and can also calm you down when needed.

• Wild Orange: Wild Orange has an energizing, mood-lifting aroma that makes it a favorite for diffusing. It pairs well with other tree oils and is a great option for lifting your spirits.
• Bergamot: Known for its ability to both calm and uplift, Bergamot is perfect when you need relief from both stress and sadness.
• Lemon: This refreshing scent not only brightens your mood but also supports detoxification, which can help reduce the physical effects of stress.
• Grapefruit: Like Wild Orange, Grapefruit is energizing and refreshing. It’s perfect for combating fatigue and promoting mental clarity.

Floral Oils
Floral oils have a calming effect due to compounds like linalool, which helps soothe tension and anxiety. They also offer skin benefits, so feel free to add them to your skincare routine.

• Lavender: One of the most popular oils for stress relief, Lavender promotes relaxation and better sleep, which is vital when dealing with stress and anxiety.
• Ylang Ylang: This oil not only improves your mood but also helps balance hormones, especially in women. It’s a great option for calming your mind and easing feelings of tension.
• Roman Chamomile: Known for its gentle calming properties, Roman Chamomile supports relaxation and is perfect for winding down before bed.
• Madagascar Vanilla: This warm, comforting oil is great for fighting stress and depression, while also offering a soothing, romantic scent.

Root Oils

• Vetiver: Vetiver is known for its grounding and calming effects. It’s great for relaxation, focus, and improving sleep quality. However, because it has a strong fragrance, it should be used in small amounts.

Essential Oil Blends for Stress Relief

Blending oils is a great way to combine their properties for enhanced benefits. Here are a few essential oil blends that help promote relaxation and emotional balance:

• Balance Grounding Blend: With oils like Frankincense, Blue Tansy, and Spruce, this earthy blend is perfect for grounding and calming your mind.
• Breathe Respiratory Blend: While intended for respiratory support, Breathe is also soothing and helps clear your mind. Deep breathing combined with this oil can significantly reduce anxiety.
• Adaptiv Calming Blend: A blend of Lavender, Wild Orange, and Copaiba, Adaptiv is a favorite for relieving nervousness, anxiety, or stress. It’s also available in capsule form for internal use.
• Peace Reassuring Blend: This calming blend of Vetiver, Frankincense, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang is perfect for unwinding in the evening or before bed.

How to Use Stress-Relieving Essential Oils

Experiment with different oils and combinations to discover what works best for you. Essential oils can be very personal, so it may take some time to find your go-to blends. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Diffuser: Use a diffuser to spread the calming aroma throughout your home or office. You can blend several oils together or use them individually to create the perfect environment.
• Topical Application: Apply oils to pulse points, like your wrists or the back of your neck, to feel their calming effects throughout the day.
• Relaxation Routine: Incorporate oils into your meditation or prayer time for an extra layer of peace and tranquility.

Essential oils are a wonderful tool for managing stress and anxiety, but don’t forget the importance of other practices like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness. These habits, combined with the right essential oils, can help restore balance and calm in your life.

Which Essential Oils Should I Start With?

If you’re new to essential oils, consider starting with these blends and oils specifically formulated to support your emotional health. Choose the ones that resonate most with you, and remember to explore their benefits over time.