Pivotal Moments in Life: Why Taking a Deep Breath Matters So Much

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

There’s a split second before something big happens… a moment that feels suspended in time. What’s your normal reaction? Do you hold your breath or draw in a slow, deep breath, then slowly release it? How you breathe during the pivotal moments of life matters more than you may think.

Pull off the impossible, achieve the unthinkable, accomplish something extraordinary

You can do it! But how?

Maybe you’re stuck in traffic and running late. Or sitting in the waiting room, heart pounding. Watching your child walk into school alone for the first time. Reading a hard message. Answering a difficult call. (For me — even when I’m having fun, like lining up a shot while golfing, playing pickleball or skeet shooting.) Or just trying to get through a packed day without falling apart.

Then there’s that moment when everything inside you says: just breathe. And that inhale?

It’s not just a habit. It’s your body helping you come back to center.

Why We Pause to Breathe

When we get stressed, we hold our breath. Our shoulders creep up. Our muscles tense. We brace, without even thinking about it.

But one deep breath? It changes everything. It tells your body: “You’re safe. You can soften now.” Your mind slows down, so you can respond and not just react, act with intention not just instinct. You’re back to the moment, right here, right now.

That’s why we pause. Not to stop. But to reset.

Everyday Moments, Elevated

That conscious breath doesn’t only belong in the big, dramatic scenes. It also shows up in life’s everyday transitions:

• Before hitting “send” on a bold email
• When the phone rings with unexpected news
• Right before a first date or difficult conversation
• As you lace up your shoes for a long run
• Before walking into a hospital room, a classroom, or a courtroom

In each case, a breath becomes a bridge between the rush of anticipation to the steadiness of action.

Aromatherapy + Breath = Your In-the-Flow, Zen Moment

Essential oils are a natural complement to the pivotal moments of life. Not only do they smooth the way through make-or-break moments, by allowing you a moment to turn anxiety into anticipation. It also creates a sensory pathway to remembering the important times in your life.

As you inhale the grounding aroma of Frankincense, the crispness of Peppermint, or the soothing sweetness of Lavender, your body gets another cue to relax. These scent molecules don’t just smell nice. They interact with your limbic system, the part of the brain that governs emotion, memory, and behavior.

A few deep breaths with the right essential oil blend can help shift your inner state from scattered to centered.

How To Use Aromatherapy During Life’s Pivotal Moments

“You’ve Got This!” Roll-on

For courage and clarity before moments that count

Cinnamon is bold, warm, and stimulating, the perfect companion when you need a little inner fire. This blend supports confidence, groundedness, and resilience.

• 2 drops Cinnamon Leaf
• 4 drops Orange Sweet
• 2 drops Ginger
• 2 drops Cedarwood
• Fill with fractionated coconut oil or jojoba

Add to a roll on bottle and shake. Apply to wrists, inner elbows, or the back of your neck. Inhale deeply. Stand tall.

“Score an Eagle” Inhaler

For focus and flow on the course, in competition, or before any performance

Lime is uplifting, crisp, and energizing. Blended with herbal and woodsy notes, it helps clear mental fog and dial in your focus.

• 5 drops Lime
• 3 drops Rosemary
• 2 drops Black Spruce
• 2 drops Spearmint

Add the drops to the cotton wick of your inhaler. Seal it up and carry in your pocket or golf bag. Inhale before you swing, or anytime you want to sharpen your edge.

“Ready for the Day” Shower Mist

For grounding presence before walking into a new day or a big moment.

Patchouli helps you feel rooted, calm, and fully in your body. This mist is beautiful to spritz before you get dressed or right after a shower.

• 3 drops Patchouli
• 3 drops Lavender
• 2 drops Bergamot FCF
• Optional: 1 teaspoon witch hazel
• Fill the rest with distilled water

Add to a 2 oz glass spray bottle. Shake before each use. Mist lightly over your body, towel-dried skin, or even into the air around you. Let the scent anchor you.

Remember to Breathe

The next time you find yourself on the edge of something meaningful, don’t rush through the moment. Pause. Inhale slowly. Give your mind and body a chance to catch up with your intention.

It’s not just air. It’s presence. It’s readiness. It’s you, fully showing up.

But what if you don’t like some of the essential oils mentioned in these recipes? Does that mean you’re out of luck? Not at all. You can learn to trust your nose and pick the oils your body responds to. Get started by downloading our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose, An Intro to Aromatherapy.