When it comes to focus and concentration, we’re all suffering the effects of an electronics-heavy world. Moreover, these electronics are amazing in their immediacy and availability, slowly but surely taking up the function of everything we had to do manually or for which we had to get our mental gears grinding. If it feels like your brain is slowly being replaced by a cellphone, that’s only because it is!
You might still be in school and need to study for an exam while you’re completing two projects, have hockey practice every night and homework for every subject you take. You might be a long-suffering adult piled under papers that demand your attention for work, taxes, housework, your children’s school admin and a to-do list as long as your arm. One way or another, you need something to help you focus, concentrate and get through the day.
If you’re anything like us, the idea of piling more chemicals and substances into your body isn’t too appealing, and you’ve tried all the usual advice: sleeping more, worrying less, eating better- but if you could sleep better and worry less, you’d probably be doing that already.
Did you know that several essential oils can actually provide some all-natural help? If it seems strange to think that an oil can help you get through your income tax statement or that report on Versailles, we’ve got some tips and tricks for choosing an oil for your needs.
Rosemary
Research suggest that a few drops of Rosemary put in a diffuser will amp up your memory game. People have long known of the effects of Rosemary as it’s referred to as “for memory” in folk wisdom, but now with science to back it we can say the smell of it can increase your information retention by 5-7%.
Studying or learning with the help of Rosemary could make a real difference in how much you remember of what you’re trying to take in. If you feel like you’re reading the same thing over and over again without much luck, this might be the oil you need.
Lavender
Lavender has certainly been shown to be an effective aid for concentration, but not quite how you’d think. The tests performed on Lavender suggest that while you’re on your lunch break, school break or time-out on the naughty steps, gently inhaling tones of Lavender will help boost your concentration when you go back to work. Something about its well-known effects for relaxation and tension relief seem to make it easier to go back to work renewed.
This means that Lavender might be your oil of choice if you’re finding the studying and working part of your day manageable, but stress from other parts of your life might be interfering with your drive to actually get to work at all. We’re not saying Lavender is going to cure your procrastination problems, but it certainly seems like it might be worth a try. Tomorrow maybe…
Peppermint
This is an oil you’re going to want if you’re getting ready for a mental marathon. It would seem that its familiar, bright notes are great for giving you the sharpness to spot small things in whatever work you’re doing. Focus is enhanced for excellent attention to detail. There is evidence that ingesting the plant has similar, if delayed and lessened effects.
And no, that’s not a valid reason for a mojito over lunch, but certainly sprinkling some peppermint oil somewhere within sniffing distance or putting some in a diffuser might be able to help your “Where’s Waldo” skills level up.
Lemon
Lemon oil seems almost like a no-brainer to include, but the results are in a scientific study showing that workers who inhale lemon oil increased their typing skills and were a whole 54% less likely to make mistakes. It also seems that mixing Lemon Oil into your concentration blends improves cognitive function.
Lemon is clearly an all-purpose tool in and out of the kitchen, so turn to this essential oil for a general mental boost. If you’re after a more specific enhancement, see which oil you can pair it with to really get the most out of its helpful properties.
Blends
Blends are the best way to both dilute strong essential oils for topical use, and to get the best of what different oils offer. Certain oils may have more relaxing properties or stimulating ones, but when combined they can prove to be a very powerful focus and concentration aid. Have a look at our selections.
Ways of using essential oils
As amazing as essential oils are, you always want to be careful with your method of use as they are very strong, and the wrong application can cause more harm than good. As always, if you are an expecting or a breastfeeding mother or suffer from epilepsy, err on the side of caution until you’ve consulted a medical professional.
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Topical
You never want to apply essential oils directly and undiluted to your skin. Instead, mix a few drops of your preferred oil with a carrier, like jojoba oil, as they will not dissolve directly in water. You can also mix some essential oil into an unscented cream or a hot bath.
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Inhalation
One of the most popular ways to inhale essential oils is through a diffuser, which allows a gentle supply of the preferred scent to fill a room. Alternatively, you place a few drops on a cloth or cotton ball, allow it to seep in and inhale directly from it.
You will find that some people recommend that you drink essential oils. This is not necessary as the therapeutic benefits of essential oils can be absorbed through the skin and the limbic system. Essential oils can be used as flavoring in food, but specialized knowledge is necessary.
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090506816301944
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-39780544
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16162642
https://www.fastcompany.com/3036242/productivity-hack-of-the-week-use-aromatherapy-to-improve-
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1479-8301.2009.00299.x/epdf