Do you need an energy boost? Feeling sluggish? There are times when we are under more pressure and our emotional resilience is not always able to handle it. Sometimes we can suffer from a general feeling of sadness, and we sometimes call this the blues or feeling down. Although it's not a major concern when short-lived, it's still important to take a break, relax and take care of yourself when it strikes. To chase away the blues, essential oils are a great way to bring back some joy and a smile to your face.

Why use essential oils to fight the blues?

The blues and depression are two distinct emotional states and should not be confused. Feeling down with the blues is often temporary and is brought about by daily life events that affect your morale. It is normal to occasionally experience negative emotions and deep sadness in specific situations. This is a part of life for us as emotional beings and it eventually passes. However, if the feeling doesn't go away, it may be depression. Depression is a clinical diagnosis given by a doctor. It's a pathological sadness that can last a long time and is not necessarily triggered by an external situation.

In both cases, essential oils can be a useful therapeutic aid, similar to relaxation methods like cardiac coherence and meditation. Whether it's to even out your emotional state or give a little lift to combat fatigue, the properties of essential oils have multiple relaxing, soothing and energy-boosting qualities to help you through a difficult period.

For depression specifically, essential oils should be used as a complementary treatment rather than a replacement for proper medical care.

5 essential oils to boost morale

• Marjoram essential oil: intense relaxation

Essential oil of marjoram ( Origanum majorana) has very potent qualities for combating temporary bouts of sadness. Its soothing properties play a role in promoting sleep if you suffer from insomnia. It can be used to regulate morale if you suffer from persistent mood swings.

Add Organic Marjoram essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines. Can be used in combination with essential oils of lemon balm and Roman chamomile to combat anxiety.

If applying to the skin, perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm. Dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of plant oil such as sweet almond oil and rub into the solar plexus area.

This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 3 years of age.

• Lemon essential oil: energy booster

Organic essential oil of lemon (Citrus limonum) is usually used to purify the air and to help with digestion. But the fresh and stimulating scent of lemon essential oil is also great for lifting moods and putting a smile on your face. It is effective at fighting off fatigue.

Add Lemon essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines. Can be used in combination with Sweet Orange essential oil. You can also breathe it in directly from the vial for a brief moment.

This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 7 years of age. This is a photosensitising oil and should not be used on the skin.

• Sweet Orange essential oil: fruity and fresh

Essential oil of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is known for its calming properties. Usually used to purify the air, it is also helpful when you want to restore balance during mood swings and temporary bouts of feeling down.

When diffused, it gives off a sweet and full aroma that relieves tension.

Add Sweet Orange essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines.

If applying to the skin, perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm. Dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of plant oil and rub into the solar plexus and spinal areas. You can also apply the blend to the inside of your wrists.

This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant.

• Roman Chamomile essential oil: tension reliever

Essential oil of Roman chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile) has powerful relaxation and tension-relieving properties. It is a soothing, antispasmodic oil traditionally used for cramps and stomach pains related to anxiety.

When diffused, its floral scent actively combats stress and insomnia.

Add Roman Chamomile essential oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines.

If applying to the skin, perform a skin test beforehand in the crook of your arm. Dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of plant oil and rub into the stomach area to help with digestion.

This product should not be used if you are less than 3 months pregnant.

• ZEN Synergy Aromasound: a refreshing break

Our ZEN synergy is a blend of several essential oils: lavandin grosso, sweet orange, juniper and black spruce. Soothing yet stimulating, this synergy is ideal for banishing a touch of the blues.

For diffusion only, its light fragrance helps to release tension and triggers an intense feeling of relaxation.

Add the oil to your diffuser and diffuse it for 10 minutes per hour, 3 times a day maximum. Consult the diffuser instructions for usage guidelines.

Do not use on skin. This product should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 7 years of age.