Feeling stuck in your head is exhausting—especially when anxiety and depression won’t let you catch a break.
I know how that feels. For years, I battled horrible habits like binge eating, late-night gaming, nonstop drinking, and massive mood swings. I carried over 110 extra pounds on my body and even more emotional weight in my heart. It wasn’t until I started rebuilding my life—step by step—that I realized small, natural things can make a huge difference. One of those things was essential oils.
No, they’re not magic. They won’t fix everything. But they can support your mental and emotional well-being, especially when used alongside better habits, prayer, deep breathing, and rest.
So if you’re looking for simple, natural ways to feel more grounded, here are 8 of the best essential oils for easing depression and anxiety—and practical tips on how to use them.
1. Lavender
If you’ve heard of only one essential oil, it’s probably lavender. And for good reason.
Lavender is known for its calming, relaxing scent. It helps slow racing thoughts and ease physical tension. I started using it during evening walks. Just a drop on my wrist helped remind me to breathe and reset. That small habit added up.
How to use it:
- Add a few drops to a diffuser before bed.
- Rub a drop between your palms, cup your hands over your nose, and breathe deeply.
- Mix with a carrier oil and apply to your temples or neck after a stressful day.
2. Bergamot
This citrus oil has a zesty scent that lifts your mood almost immediately. Unlike most citrus oils, bergamot also has a calming side, which makes it great for both stress and low energy.
On days when I lacked motivation and wanted to drown in YouTube or junk food, I’d diffuse bergamot. It gave just enough mental boost to help me choose a better action—like doing 15 minutes of movement instead of spacing out on the couch.
Try this:
- Diffuse in your workspace during tough mornings.
- Add to a warm bath with Epsom salt.
- Blend with lavender or frankincense for an extra-soothing scent.
3. Frankincense
Frankincense supports emotional healing. It’s grounding, peaceful, and quiet—like a walk through an empty church. This one quickly became a go-to during prayer time when I was rebuilding my life and reconnecting with God.
I’ll often rub a few drops on my chest during morning journaling or prayer. It helps create a calm space inside, especially when anxiety tries to take over.
Ways to use:
- Inhale it before prayer or meditation.
- Mix with a carrier oil and apply to your chest or feet.
- Add a drop to your palms and breathe deeply during moments of overwhelm.
4. Ylang Ylang
This floral-sweet oil can calm a racing heart and help you reconnect with joy. It has a soft, comforting scent, almost like a warm blanket.
When I was stuck in heavy depression, joy felt far away. But on better days, ylang ylang helped me lean into lighter moments. I’d pair it with gratitude journaling or a walk in fresh air.
Try this:
- Diffuse during your evening wind-down routine.
- Place a few drops in a roller bottle with coconut oil and carry it with you.
- Add to your shower floor and let the steam carry the scent up.
5. Clary Sage
Clary sage is deeply relaxing. It's especially good if hormonal shifts make your anxiety or mood worse. This one helped during times of emotional burnout when I felt completely fried but didn’t know how to calm down.
Great ways to use clary sage:
- Add to a diffuser when you’re journaling or reading at night.
- Use in a warm bath at the end of a long day.
- Inhale straight from the bottle when you need immediate calm.
6. Patchouli
Not everyone loves this earthy scent, but it’s incredibly grounding. Think of it like emotional soil—it helps bring you back to the present moment when your thoughts are spinning.
I used patchouli any time I slipped into self-criticism or regret. It reminded me to pause, be present, and look ahead—not backward.
Use it by:
- Combining with a citrus oil (like orange) to make it lighter.
- Rubbing onto your feet before prayer or meditation.
- Diffusing while journaling or doing deep work.
7. Sweet Orange
Sweet orange is upbeat, energizing, and light. If your depression feels heavy, orange oil can offer a little lift. It’s almost impossible to smell and not feel even a tiny bit better.
I used orange a lot when I needed energy to clean, walk, or prep meals—especially when building new routines during my recovery from laziness and burnout.
Ideas to try:
- Diffuse during your morning stretch or devotional time.
- Mix with peppermint for a natural focus boost.
- Rub a diluted mix on your wrists before a workout or walk.
8. Roman Chamomile
This gentle oil helps with sleep, stress, and emotional peace. Think bedtime tea—but in scent form. If your anxiety keeps you up at night, Roman chamomile is worth a try.
I started using chamomile on restless nights when my mind raced with shame, guilt, or fear. It didn’t knock me out—but it helped me settle down enough for prayer, journaling, or deep breathing.
Try it:
- Diffuse 30 minutes before bed.
- Combine with lavender and rub on the back of your neck.
- Add to a sleep roller blend with fractionated coconut oil.
How to Get Started with Essential Oils
Start simple. Don’t worry about owning all eight oils right away.
Pick one or two, and experiment with what works best for you. Notice how they make you feel, and pair them with other grounding habits like:
- Deep breathing
- Gratitude journaling
- Short walks outside
- Prayer or quiet time
- Stretching or gentle movement
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace. Even a 1% improvement today is worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
I’ve learned that healing isn’t one big leap. It’s a thousand small steps in the right direction. Replacing old habits with better ones. Swapping chaos for calm. Choosing one small win instead of spiraling.
Essential oils won’t solve every problem—but they can help create space for better habits and deeper healing.
So here’s a gentle question for you to reflect on:
What’s one simple thing you can do today to support your peace?
Maybe it’s lighting a diffuser. Maybe it’s taking a walk. Maybe it’s whispering a prayer.
Whatever it is, take the step. I’m cheering you on.
—Stephen Montagne
Founder, Good Existence
