How to Use Essential Oils in Your Daily Life

I’m pretty new to essential oils. Yeah, I’ve been using lavender oil during savasana adjustments since I first started teaching yoga. But besides that? I’ve always been skeptical. Just like I am about everything.

Don’t worry, I haven’t gone totally off the deep end. My affinity for essential oils is on par with my affinity for crystals. I think they are great. And I’m curious about them. But I’m not about to tell you essential oils (or crystals) will change your life.

What I will say is I’ve been enjoying integrating oils into my daily routine. Whether or not they “work”, I do not know. But they bring a little joy into my day. And apartment. And sometimes remind me to chill the f*ck out. So for now I’ll keep on using them. At the very least my apartment smells pretty freaking awesome in the process.

Also… this post is not remotely sponsored by Saje or any of the other oils mentioned. I’m just really obsessed.

How To Use Essential Oils

I’ve been using oils in two different ways: diffusing and topically

Diffuse Oils.

I’ve only tried two diffusers at this point this one and this one. Both are great and I don’t really have a preference of one versus the other.

I’ll diffuse different oils depending on my mood and how I want to feel. When I’m doing homework I’ll go for something more energizing like this Gratitude blend from Saje. When I’m trying to wind down at the end of the day I’ll go for something relaxing like the Tranquility blend.

I find the ritual of diffusing oils similar to using candles. It makes the space smell good and I tend to associate certain scents with a certain feeling. Whether or not something with lavender in it truly makes me feel sleepy or I just associate it with relaxation, I do not know. But I find the pure ritual of running the diffuser and thinking “I want to start winding down” does in fact get me ready for bed.

Topically.

You can also use oils topically, either on your pressure points or a specific area that’s giving you trouble.

But be careful. Not all essential oils are meant to come in direct contact with skin. Some require a “carrier” like coconut oil otherwise your skin will get irritated. For topical use I stick to Saje’s rollers blends (like this one) since they were created to be used on the skin. I also love DoTerra’s lavender essential oil which is also okay to use directly on skin.

 

Ways to Use Essential Oils

For TMJ pain:

If you struggle with TMJ pain too, I feel you. It can suck.

I always have minor TMJ discomfort but lately my jaw has been a bit worse than usual. I’m currently on other anti-inflammatory meds from my hip injury so wanted to steer clear of popping an Alleve or Tylenol.

Instead I used this Pain Release oil on my cheek over the jaw area + this Stress Release oil on my temples. I won’t claim I was miraculously healed. I was born with a malformed jaw joint so my jaw literally doesn’t work. But it did provide me with some relief.

 

To unwind at the end of the day:

Diffuse Saje’s Tranquility blend as you get ready for bed. Or rub lavender essential oils on the soles of your feet.

 

To wake up:

Rub an essential oil with lemon or citrus in between your palms. Tent your palms around your nose and take a BIG breath in and out. Instant energy.

 

When I’m doing homework:

I’ll roll some Brainstorm on my wrists. The blend was designed to help kids focus on an elementary school classroom.

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Your turn: Are you a fan of essential oils? Do you have any favorite uses that I didn’t cover?