When Stress Settles Into My Shoulders, This Is the Blend I Use

“Self-care is not a luxury. It is a necessity.” — Audre Lorde

When Stress Starts Settling Into My Shoulders, This Is What I Reach For

The pounding didn’t start in my head. It started in my shoulders.

And if you’ve ever carried stress in your neck and upper body, you know how quickly that tension can take over your entire day.

It was one of those afternoons where everything seemed to stack up at once. Work, responsibilities, not enough rest the night before… all of it catching up with me at the same time. I could feel the tightness creeping up my neck and settling into my temples. That familiar pressure that makes it hard to focus, hard to stay present, and honestly… hard to feel like yourself.

And instead of pushing through like I used to, I did something different.

I reached for my dōTERRA Past Tense essential oil. Lately, I’ve especially been loving the Past Tense Stick with Sweet Gum.

A Blend Rooted in Tradition

One of the reasons I trust Past Tense so much is because it’s not built around just one oil. It’s a thoughtfully layered blend inspired by oils that have been used traditionally for generations.

Peppermint and lavender have long been used in aromatherapy practices to encourage relaxation and comfort. Frankincense is often associated with grounding and mindfulness, while oils like marjoram and basil have traditionally been used in soothing massage and wellness routines.

And then there’s Sweet Gum.

It’s not talked about as often, but it adds a deeper, comforting element to the blend that I’ve really come to appreciate, especially during stressful seasons when tension tends to linger.

These oils may be ancient, but they still fit beautifully into modern life.

How I Use Past Tense in Everyday Life

What I love most about the Past Tense Stick is how practical it is.

It’s easy to keep in my bag, my car, or next to my desk so I can reach for it throughout the day without overthinking it.

Here are some of the ways I use it most often:

• Rolled onto my temples and neck when tension starts building

• Applied to my shoulders after long workdays

• Used during stressful afternoons when I need a moment to pause and reset

• Kept nearby for travel days or busy schedules

• Applied before bed when my mind has a hard time slowing down

The cooling sensation is one of my favorite parts. It creates this immediate feeling of exhale… like my body is finally getting the signal to unclench a little.

And honestly, the convenience matters too. Simple routines are the ones I actually stay consistent with.

Why This Blend Has Become Part of My Routine

This is where things shifted for me personally.

There was a time when I ignored the signals my body was sending. Tight shoulders. Mental fatigue. That creeping tension that builds quietly throughout the day.

I’d wait until I felt completely overwhelmed before doing anything about it.

Now I pay attention earlier.

The moment I notice tension starting to settle in, I grab my Past Tense Stick and take a minute to slow down. I apply it to my neck, temples, and shoulders and give myself permission to pause for a second instead of forcing my way through the day.

And strangely enough, that small habit has become about more than the oil itself.

It’s become a reset point.

A reminder to breathe.
To soften my shoulders.
To stop running on autopilot for a minute.

Sometimes those tiny moments matter more than we realize.

The Emotional Side of Slowing Down

One of the things that surprised me most is how connected physical tension and emotional overwhelm really are.

When I feel stressed, my body holds onto it.

Using blends like Past Tense has become part of helping me slow the spiral before the day completely runs away from me.

For me, it helps create:

• A sense of grounding during stressful moments

• Space to slow racing thoughts

• A calmer atmosphere when emotions feel loud

• Small moments of reset during busy days

And I’ll be honest, the Sweet Gum seems to deepen that grounded feeling for me. It’s subtle, but noticeable. Everything feels a little steadier.

There’s something comforting about having a simple tool that helps you reconnect with yourself in the middle of a busy day.

What Makes Past Tense Feel So Supportive

Part of what makes this blend feel so effective is the way the oils work together.

Peppermint & Wintergreen

Cooling and refreshing.

Lavender

Soft, calming, and comforting.

Frankincense

Grounding and centering during stressful moments.

Marjoram & Basil

Traditionally used in soothing wellness practices.

Sweet Gum

Adds a warm, comforting depth that makes the blend feel especially grounding.

Together, they create a blend that feels cooling, calming, and supportive when tension starts building physically or emotionally.

If life has felt especially loud lately… if stress keeps settling into your shoulders before you even realize it… this might be a simple place to start.

And if you already have a bottle of Past Tense tucked away in a drawer somewhere, maybe this is your reminder to bring it back into your routine again.

Because sometimes the smallest habits, the ones that help us pause and breathe for a moment, end up making the biggest difference in how we move through our days.