On a busy day, it can feel impossible to find even five minutes to yourself. The good news is that you do not need five. Pairing a familiar scent with a few slow breaths gives you a reset you can do in 60 seconds, at your desk, on the tram or just before a meeting.
Quick answer: the scents people most often reach for to feel calmer are lavender, mandarin, bergamot, cedarwood and frankincense. Roll a little onto your wrists, breathe it in slowly for a minute, and let the scent become a cue to pause. Essential oils are not a treatment for anxiety; if stress is affecting your health, please talk to your doctor.
Why scent is such a quick way to change the mood of a moment
Smell is processed close to the parts of the brain involved in memory and emotion, which is why a scent can bring back a place or a feeling in an instant. If you use the same scent each time you pause, it starts to work as a shortcut: one breath and your body recognises the cue to slow down.
Calming scents people reach for
| Scent | What it smells like | Find it in |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Soft floral and herbal | Intention |
| Mandarin | Sweet, gentle citrus | Patience |
| Bergamot | Citrus with a floral edge | Generosity, True Self |
| Cedarwood | Warm and woody | Generosity |
| Frankincense | Resinous, warm, slightly citrus | Impermanence |
Three 60-second resets for a busy day
At your desk
- Push your chair back from the screen.
- Roll a little onto each wrist and rest your hands in your lap.
- Close your eyes, breathe in the scent and count six slow breaths.
On the commute
- Before you put your headphones in, apply a stroke to each wrist.
- Bring your wrists up and breathe in for four, out for six, five times.
- Notice three things you can see out the window.
Before a meeting
- Step away for a minute, even to the hallway.
- Roll on, then breathe in through your nose for four and out for six.
- Drop your shoulders and decide on one thing you want to say.
Pair scent with breath
Box breathing is an easy pattern to remember: breathe in for four, hold for four, breathe out for four and hold for four. Repeat four times. Bringing your wrists close as you breathe in makes the scent part of the rhythm. For more breathing techniques, read our guide to breathwork, and for the bigger picture, our stress management techniques for the workplace.
Our pick for busy days is Patience, a bright citrus blend of mandarin, lemon and lime. If you prefer something softer, Intention is a gentle floral. Both are certified organic and made in Melbourne by Mirosuna, South Melbourne.
$38 each, or all five in the Full Set of 5 Mirosuna Oils for $190. Ships Australia-wide. Thank you for supporting a small Melbourne studio.
Safety at work
- Be kind in shared spaces. Some colleagues are sensitive to scent. A roll-on stays close to your skin, which makes it a better choice than a diffuser at work.
- Apply lightly. One or two strokes is enough.
- Patch test first and keep oils away from your eyes.
Every Mirosuna oil is for external use only. Please patch test on a small area of skin first, keep it away from your eyes and face, and stop using it if irritation occurs. Take extra care with aromatherapy in pregnancy and around children, and if you have any health concerns, please check with a registered health practitioner before use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most calming essential oil?
Lavender is the most popular, but the most calming scent is the one you personally find relaxing. Mandarin, bergamot, cedarwood and frankincense are all common favourites.
Can you use essential oils at work?
Yes, with care. A roll-on applied lightly to your wrists is subtle and will not fill a shared space the way a diffuser can.
How do you use essential oils to relax?
Apply a small amount to your pulse points, breathe it in slowly for a minute and use the same scent each time so it becomes a cue to pause. See our roll-on guide for more rituals.
Thank you for reading, and please be gentle with yourself on the busy days.