By now, Q2 is in full swing, and MTO KPIs can be challenging to maintain despite intentionality. It is not uncommon to say, “I’ll get to it later,” then three weeks later, one wonders where the time has gone without recalibrating or reestablishing MTO KPIs. One thing is guaranteed, and that stress remains while pushing through, getting it done, or handling it. In this blog post, I will discuss cortisol, the stress hormone, and the effects of constant stress on the body and offer aromatic solutions. What is Cortisol? Cortisol and adrenaline are stress hormones produced in the adrenal glands. Both hormones help with severe stress, such as swerving to avoid striking an animal or suddenly slamming on your brakes in traffic to avoid an accident. The release of the stress hormone cortisol and its companion adrenaline activates fight-or-flight, heightening instinct, and survival. The release of cortisol should be temporary, and not lingering for days. Anger, chronic fear, or resentment extend the duration of the cortisol for longer periods, which can affect immunity, cause weight gain, digestive issues, affecting the sleep, or possibly unknowingly invite in poor health. The Adrenal Glands The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys. The adrenals work hard to produce cortisol and can become exhausted trying to keep up. As a result, someone can experience adrenal fatigue or exhaustion. Recalibrate Find your joy. One of many solutions is essential oils that bring joy, uplift, ground, and calm nerves, to reduce stress. They are commonly referred to as adaptogen essential oils. I’ve found that being aware of my most stressful times of the day and using essential oils helps me redirect and offer a brain break to control negative thoughts or reactions. Essential Oils Recommendations to Reduce Cortisol Vetiver, Vetiveria zizanoides , has a deep and earthy scent. It comes from the root of a weeping grass. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and nervine properties that promote relief of chronic stress, grounding, and immunity and is a circulatory stimulant. May Chang, Litsea cubeba , is a fruit with a lemony scent and herbaceous undertones. The essential oil has antispasmodic, anti-depressive, and diuretic properties that improve mental fatigue and brain fog, uplift, and help manage stress. Ylang Ylang, Cananga odorata , is a powdery and sweet floral. The essential oil comes from a tropical tree. It has aphrodisiac (self-love), anti-inflammatory, and cardiotonic properties that regulate a stirred-up nervous system. Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus radiata , a camphoraceous evergreen tree with a sweet scent, has many species. The essential oil has antispasmodic, febrifuge, and stimulant properties that help strengthen the immune system. MTO Featured Product MTO Body Butter is a nourishing moisturizer formulated with adaptogen essential oils. It’s not oily and has a smooth, absorbing texture that can be used on the skin, especially the area of the adrenal glands. Learn more about MTO Body Butter.

KPIs are in full effect, and with that, we still must manage our stress, our expectations for ourselves, and the expectations of others. It sounds logical and straightforward, really, but is it? In this post, I will offer on-the-go aromatics and affirmation prompts for you to consider throughout your day.