Stress is everywhere in our lives, from your working day to looking after the kids, heading to the supermarket to managing relationships. We live in a hectic world and sometimes we simply want to escape.
For people working from home that can be especially difficult. There’s no cut off for when you walk through that door after a day out at work. You effectively live in work!
It’s proven a real struggle for some people, with many developing mental health conditions and even the likes of addiction as they look to find a way to switch off from their day of work, knowing that their laptop or computer is in the home office upstairs or in the converted garage.
In many treatment centres, such as rehab for alcoholics, counsellors are finding that their troubles started from working at home during the pandemic and with many people not returning to the office, it’s gotten out of control.
Of course, that doesn’t happen to everyone and there are indeed many ways to manage stress effectively for people working from home, including the scents they have around the home. Ultimately, it’s all about finding tactics to add a sense of calm and serenity, and scent can really do that.
But what scents should you consider for your home office?
Lavender
Lavender is renowned for its calming properties and is a classic scent for promoting relaxation. You can use essential oils, candles, sprays or diffusers within your office to promote a real sense of clarity and improve concentration.
The gentle aroma can really soothe frayed nerves and create a sense of tranquillity amidst the demands of remote working.
Citrus
A bright and uplifting scent, citrus fruit such as lemon, oranges and grapefruit can be really invigorating and help boost mood and energy levels.
Essential oils involving citrus are known for their refreshing and revitalising properties, making them ideal for combatting lethargy and mental fatigue that can often trigger the likes of stress and anxiety.
Peppermint
A crisp and minty aroma, peppermint is excellent for enhancing mental clarity and concentration. That sharpened focus can really help alleviate stress and anxiety, tackling any challenges head on and in a calm and well-thought-out manner.
Whether you’re simply looking to boost productivity or need to to keep your mind focused, having a candle burning can be just the trick you need.
Eucalyptus
Known for its freshness, the smell of eucalyptus can promote respiratory health and really clear the mind. The aroma is really helpful for easing tension and promoting deep breathing, creating almost a spa-like atmosphere that can really encourage relaxation.
It’s a good idea to get the scent drifting across the room towards the end of the day, helping you unwind ahead of an evening in which you can switch off.
Sandalwood
This rich, woody and earthy smell is proven to encourage a sense of stability and peace. It’s often used in meditation and spiritual practices, creating a grounded and calm aura about one’s self.
Using it on pulse points as a natural perfume is a good way to feel the benefits of sandalwood, while you can also use diffusers and find plenty of scented candles available.