Brighten Your Day: A Simple Way to Bring More Lightness, Clarity, and Energy

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

The word self-care can sometimes feel like one more thing on an already overflowing list, can’t it? (I confess that the word self-care irritates me.) Somewhere along the way, something meant to nurture us now sounds like another expectation or demand: make more time, do more, take better care of yourself. That’s surely not going to brighten your day!

Instead, what I’ve been trying to do more of is this: pause for just a moment, become more attentive, observant, aware, and look for a gentle shift. I’ve found that it doesn’t have to be something big; just a shift in your perspective can make all the difference in the world.

For example,

• Step outside and take three deep breaths.
• Notice one thing in nature you’ve never paid attention to before.
• Share a smile, kind word, or hug with someone today.

Notice that none of these involve essential oils? That’s intentional. My company, Essential 3, sells products, but my personal focus has always been on helping people with what they need in this moment and time.  And, yes, in my experience, that involves aromatherapy, which has been my faithful companion who continually brings me back to myself, despite the hectic days I travel through. So I unapologetically want to share my latest creation with you, because I love it, and maybe you will too! (But if you don’t like it, that’s okay. That’s how aromatherapy works. And surprise, surprise… You may even change your mind later on.)

Anyway, that’s why we created Gentle Lift Blend. Its bright, refreshing aroma is formulated to help you feel more present, energized, and engaged during over-stretched days. Think of it as a daily reminder or invitation to pause and interrupt your busyness just briefly. Because one small shift like this may be all it takes to brighten your day.

The Making of Gentle Lift

We crafted Gentle Lift to make us feel more balanced and grounded, with a hint of uplift. To me, it feels like throwing open a window and letting the fresh air in. Following my general process for blending essential oils, each oil’s aroma and chemical components were chosen to create a light, refreshing aromatherapy moment of ease. Here are the oils we selected:

Cypress has a fresh, clean aroma and is often used to encourage a sense of flow, movement, and positive transition by helping release tension and promote relaxation.

Geranium offers a balancing influence in this blend and is often used to help ease emotional overload and restore a sense of harmony.

Red Grapefruit is known for promoting mental clarity and focus. Its bright, energizing citrus note feels clean, vibrant, and refreshing.

Sweet Marjoram brings a softer, comforting quality to the blend. Often used to ease tension and stress, its warm, herbaceous aroma creates balance for a sense of calm and emotional stability.

Sweet Orange is often associated with joy, optimism, and emotional warmth, which can help ease tension and emotional heaviness.

Rosemary ct. Cineole is well known for supporting mental clarity, concentration, and renewed energy, which makes it especially valuable when you need a little extra motivation.

Were you able to imagine what each aroma smells like? Did it transport you back to an herb garden, or citrus orchard, or a warm summer day spent with friends?

Hint: Reading through these lists of ingredients is a good way to gauge if your body will respond with a relaxing “ahhhhh” when you breathe it in. (Pssst…it’s okay if you don’t think you’ll like this blend. Substitute another favorite single oil or blend that will brighten your day. Choose what you love! The main thing is to find something that works for you.)

When Might You Use Gentle Lift to Brighten Your Day?

Gentle Lift is great for those in-between moments when you feel slightly off balance, distracted, uninspired, or mentally cluttered. Use it:

• in the morning, when you want to welcome the day with a positive mindset.

• during an afternoon slump for a gentle mood and energy lift.

• to complement creative projects with more focus and fresh ideas.

• as a workspace freshener to clear out the mental cobwebs.

• when you’re tidying, organizing, decluttering, or refreshing your home.

• to invite more lightness into your day.

• as a reset and reminder to return to yourself.

One of the easiest ways to experience Gentle Lift is through diffusion. If you don’t have a diffuser, put a few drops on cotton balls and hide them throughout the house, office, or car. (Be aware that oil may damage some plastic or fabric, so choose appropriate places.)

Often, all we need to brighten a dull or stressful day is a small pause and a refreshingly deep breath that reconnects us with a sense of possibility. Gentle Lift was created for those moments when you need to feel a little lighter.

Remember that aromatherapy and essential oils can have both physical and emotional effects, so notice how different oils make you feel. Be patient with yourself, have fun, and soon you’ll be blending like a pro. And if you haven’t done so yet, please download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Intro to Aromatherapy.