We simply need a self-care routine in our busy lives. Unlike other self-care activities, essential oils are easy enough to use in our daily routines, without spending too much time and effort.
Essential oils can enhance your daily self-care routine, and even help with personal development. Self-care can include anything from balance, stress relief, feelings of energy and happiness.
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Smell and the Brain
The sense of smell is correlated with memory and emotion. The perfume industry is built around this connection and the vast array of fragrances explore feelings from desire to power, and vitality to relaxation.
As described in How Smell Works, when a smell is detected, the olfactory neurones in the nose generate an impulse that is passed to the brain along the olfactory nerve. This arrives at the olfactory bulb which processes the signal and then passes information about the smell to other areas connected to it, collectively known as the limbic system.
“Smell and memory seem to be so closely linked because of the brain’s anatomy. […] People do tend to lose their sense of smell as they age. But not to worry. Your nose is like a muscle in the body that can be strengthened by giving it a daily workout, not with weights, but with sniffs. The more you use your nose, the stronger it gets.”, said Harvard’s Venkatesh Murthy, Raymond Leo Erikson Life Sciences Professor and chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
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Essential Oils for Personal Development
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Essential oils for memory, motivation, focus and productivity
These typically include citrus fragrances, basil and rosemary, vetiver and frankincense.
DIY blend for focus and productivity
2 drops lemon
2 drops peppermint
2 drops rosemary
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Essential oils for brainpower
DIY Blend for Brainpower
3 drops eucalyptus
3 drops peppermint oil
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Essential oils for happiness and energy
DIY Energize Blend
2 drops bergamot
2 drops grapefruit
2 drops lemon
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Essential oils for self- esteem
Ylang ylang is a good oil choice for anxiety and depression, and besides the strong smell, it is a powerful one for strong emotions linked to self-esteem and confidence.
Vitruvi Ylang Ylang, 100% Pure Premium Essential Oil
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Essential oils for stress and chronic fatigue
DIY Stress Relief Blend
2 drops lavender
2 drops bergamot
2 drops peppermint / frankincense
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Essential oils for headache
DIY Headache Blend
5 drops lavender
5 drops frankincense
Add to a rollerball and add a carrier oil. You can roll it on your forehead, neck, shoulders and massage in.
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How to Use Essential Oils
Diffuse essential oils – aromatherapy can help elevate your mood, improve concentration and focus, kill airborn pathogens and improve the air quality and fragrance of your home or office environment.
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Add 1-2 drops of essential oils to your face cream or body lotion, or do a DIY blend with essential oils and a carrier oil.
Make a sugar or coffee scrub scented with your favorite essential oil and use it to exfoliate and massage your body. Use coconut oil or shea butter for a tryly pampering and nourishing experience.
Use essential oils in your bath water – drop around 5-10 drops of essential oil in a carrier oil and use it to enhance your bathing routine. A relaxing essential oil bath lets you enjoy the essential oils on your skin and make it a pampering experience.
Have a massage with essential oils – you can use lavender essential oil for relaxation, peppermint for tired, aching muscles and joints.
So use essential oils to take care of yourself, your emotions and your personal growth.
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Watch also: Dr. Rachel Herz – The Psychological and Quality of Life Impact of Smell Loss