The Aromatic Office
By Candace Newman MAT, LMT
Whether our work place is a desk, an easel, or a room…. it’s still about creating an
inspiring environment to maximize our potential. Our workspace is meant to be enjoyed.
Kahlil Gibran defines “work” as “love in action.” Thinking and creating are important
elements, as well as being calm and feeling balanced while making decisions. The
healthier we are, the better we can perform. Sounds like essential oils were made to order
for this job. Their smell affects our mental state and their antiseptic qualities effect our
physical health. The mind and the body are a miraculous team, and deserve only the best
essential oils.
When I was the Executive V.P. of a real estate firm, I kept a Lavender Mist and a little
bottle each of Lavender and Peppermint in my desk drawer. Lavender helped with the
overwhelming feelings of stress. Peppermint came in after lunch for the heavy-head
feelings. Different times of the day, call for different aromas.
Many studies show that essential oils can increase concentration, improve creativity, and
decrease errors and sick time. Then there is the shear comfort and joy of being
surrounded by the life-enriching aromas you love.
Comfort is the key word here. This involves feeling sharp-minded, creative, calm and
balanced. The added benefits of essential oils to our workspace go beyond words. I can
not do them justice. Smell and know. Make your work space an oasis of aromas. You will
never be the same.
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Things You Can Do: Make your work place an oasis with a room diffuser and highgrade
essential oils. Lavender Mists and cotton balls are also part of the joy.
- Choose a room diffuser that is low maintenance. Some are difficult to clean or
have glass parts that can break easily. The small, light, and simple-to-use ones
that blow air are often the best choices. A clay pot with 1-2 drops of oils (added
as needed,) is a nice touch on your desk or in the drawer.
- Keep a Lavender Mist (or another you prefer) on your desk for a breath of fresh
air. Lavender is from the Latin word “Lavare” which means, “to wash.” So
mist/wash away the dross of the moment and feel the emotional shift. You might
want to have a calming and a stimulating mist. Peppermint is also a good choice.
The Art of Misting: make big circular clouds above you head and come
down into your face. Closely mist the back of you neck. Close your eye
and breathe deeply. It is amazing every time how refreshing and comforting
this is, and it is so simple.
- Select at least one calming and one stimulating oil that you really enjoy. If they
make you feel good by smelling them, you’ve made the right choice. Breathe
deeply (4-5 breaths should do it) right from the bottle when you need some big
help quickly.
- Put 1-2 drops on a cotton ball for the drawer. You can also tuck the cotton ball in
your pocket close to you lungs and heart. A skirt or pants pocket will also do.
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Frequently Asked Question: Some smells are offensive to some people. How can I
know what to use in an office situation?
Aromas demand that we honor the individuality in each of us, because each nose-brain
response causes a unique emotional response, and often a memory along with it. It is
very important to choose pure high-grade essential oils, to avoid allergic type reactions.
Many aromatherapy products contain toxins and have been altered from their pure state.
This is often the cause of allergic reactions and negative responses to aromatherapy
products. Stay away from Potpourri and candles, unless the candles are 100% beeswax
with pure essential oils.
There are well over 400 kinds of essential oils. The most universal one, whose aroma is
pleasurable to the greatest number of people, is Lavender. It is known to be a balancer to
the central nervous system. I also suggest Orange, and/or Lemon. These are pleasant
aromas to most people. Go light and gentle. Remember: First do no harm.
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Storyteller: We have very positive results using Lavender and Orange in our dental
office. One morning I was looking for the Lavender to start the diffusers. I went into the
dentist’s office to ask if he knew where it was. There he was, sitting at his desk, with the
Lavender bottle in his hand. He said paying bills was stressful, and sniffing Lavender
helped smooth the process. Dental Assistant, Florida
Candace Newman, MAT, LMT, is founder of Oil Lady Aromatherapy® and Touch With
Oils®. She and her husband, John, are owners of Oil Lady Aromatherapy® LLC
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