Essential oils tend to be most known and used for calming, soothing and winding down; but they can also be really effective at helping with energy levels, focus and motivation! If you're anything like me, and feel like you're constantly racing to just keep up with everything, you'll appreciate having access to a quick and easy motivation boost - I know I do! So here are the six main essential oils you should have on hand for when you need an extra pep in your step and support to just. get. moving.
Do essential oils really work? And how?
The simple answer? Yes! Absolutely. You can read a more in-depth explanation on essential oils here, but the TL;DR version is that there are compounds within essential oils that interact with various systems in our bodies (depending on how we are using them) and can invoke certain responses. Consistency is super helpful here - you'll find the best results if you use your oils regularly. Making your interaction with oils a routine and/or ritual also creates a behavioural connection in your brain, which in turn will strengthen your response each time you use them!
How To Use Essential Oils
There are several ways to use essential oils, which can have different effects on our bodies. You can read more about the different methods here, but here are the three ways essential oils can benefit you:
- Inhalation (via breathing in)
- Absorption (internal/emotional benefits from being absorbed through the skin)
- Topical Application (physical/external benefits from being applied to the skin)
Please note, we do not recommend ingestion of essential oils; this is something that should only be done under the strict guidance and supervision of a qualified aromatherapist.
Essential Oils For Motivation
Aniseed
Sweet and spicy, Aniseed can help awaken your spirit and sharpen your focus and alertness, making it a useful ally to help spark motivation. This is a particularly good option to help restore and invigorate your energy when you're feeling tired. Inhale straight from the bottle, or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to your pulse points as needed.
Eucalyptus
Refreshing and clarifying, Eucalyptus is sharp, bright and stimulating. This is one to reach for when you're feeling the brain fog set in. Also acts as a decongestant if you're feeling physically blocked up, not just mentally blocked - add a few drops to a diffuser or bowl of hot water and breathe in, or make a balm with Jojoba (or other carrier) oil and beeswax and rub onto your chest.
Lemongrass
It's hard to stay motivated when you're feeling mentally low - so reach for Lemongrass for an instant mood boost. This zingy, zesty oil can help re-energize you, and supports you to sharpen your focus. Burn a lemongrass candle, diffuse, or include in a room or body mist for some motivational support.
Peppermint
Particularly helpful with tiredness, refreshing Peppermint is both clarifying and awakening. It can help with physical aches from holding too much tension and stress, as well as encourage you to get up and go. Add a few drops for your favourite diffuser, or inhale straight from the bottle for some extra "pepp" in your step.
Rosemary
Although herbaceous Rosemary isn't a "zingy" scent like the other essential oils, this calming and grounding oil is known to help support brain function, focus and memory. If you want to hunker down and work through in a calm and steady manner, rosemary is a great option! Diffuse or add a few drops to a piece of cloth and inhale, or dilute with a carrier oil and apply to your pulse points.
Can I Blend Essential Oils?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to keep the total drops of oil to the appropriate dilution. Our free essential oil dilution PDF can be found here.
What Else Do I Need To Know?
It's important to note when using essential oils, you should always choose high-quality oils and use them safely. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin (find our free dilution guidelines chart in the link above), and perform a patch test to check for any allergic reactions. If you're pregnant, nursing, or have any underlying health conditions, consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional before using essential oils. Please also look after yourself, and ensure that you're also receiving appropriate medical support if you're finding that a lack of motivation and support is negatively affecting or impacting your life.
The Take-away
Essential oils are an accessible, fast-acting, great smelling way to help you boost your motivation levels when you're feeling a bit... well, unmotivated. Experiment and play around with different oils and blends; what works for you may be completely different to what works for others, so keep an open mind and have fun with it! Plus, with consistency, the act and ritual of using your oils to get motivated will also help increase your mindset around staying focused, energetic and on task.