“The act of smelling something, anything, is remarkably like the act of thinking. Immediately at the moment of perception, you can feel the mind going to work, sending the odor around from place to place, setting off complex repertories through the brain, polling one center after another for signs of recognition, for old memories and old connection.” – Lewis Thomas. Healing power of essential oils extracted from plants is the perfect way to declutter your mind and soul.

I mustn’t. I can’t. And as I say this to myself a thousand times over, I knew it that I don’t want to say it. I spent the whole morning getting as much exercise as possible, which for me meant running and walking on a treadmill. This is the only way I know to clear the big “C” word from my mind. For past few days, I felt mentally exhausted and distracted. I started forgetting important dates, leaving the water running and even connecting to my inner-self. You know what I mean, it is not a happy spot. So, what is this “C” word that was bothering me? Clutter! Mental clutter that pulls us and disrupts that healthy balance. Life becomes so puzzling that you don’t know which way to go. Aromatherapy is the last thing, you would probably think to help you with mental clutter and procrastination. But maybe, you’re wrong!

You’ve got a headache? There’s an essential oil for that. Do you have a trouble in sleeping? There’s an essential oil for that. Do you have skin conditions – acne, aging to uneven skin tone? There’s an essential oil for that too.

Smell is one of the strongest senses we have, it can immediately influence our brain activity. This is one of the reasons why so often we feel relaxed when we inhale a particular smell. As if it tells the brain, “Calm down and relax!”

via GIPHY

So here comes the first question:

What are essential oils?

“Essential oils are organic, concentrated, highly volatile, hydrophobic liquids that naturally occur within and are secreted by tiny structures located in a plant’s various parts – the seeds, grasses, roots, barks, stems, leaves, fruits, flowers, resins, zest and wood of plants. They are also referred to as volatile oils, ethereal oils, or aetherolea. Despite the word “oil,” they feel less viscous than oil, having more of a watery texture.”-  New Directions Aromatics

I love essential oils, and I have put together this awesome crazy list of 6 essential oils that can help you manage your moods, boost your productivity, and declutter your mind. You can get these oils from New Directions Aromatics.

1. Lemon

Lemon oil has calming and clarifying properties that are helpful in easing stress, fighting fatigue and insomnia. It is also very helpful when you’re angry or depressed. Lemon essential oil is used to stimulate the immune system as it has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Put 1-2 drops of lemon oil in the diffuser and keep it in the middle of the table at your next brainstorming session.

2. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most versatile oils, I love it so much. In addition to calming and inducing sleep, it eases menstrual cramps, depression, and anxiety. There are a variety of products, including bath salts and massage oil that are easily available. I put 1-2 drops of lavender oil on cotton and inhale it to get instant relief. Another way to take advantage of this essential oil is to sip lavender infused herbal tea, which you can find in the supermarket.

3. Roman chamomile

Need an instant mood booster then get Roman Chamomile essential oil. It is considered as one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to mankind. It reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. I always keep chamomile tea in my pantry to calm and declutter my mind.

4.Rosemary

Forget coffee, Rosemary is there to boost your mornings. Rosemary oil helps reduce stress levels, boost mental activity, relieve fatigue and increases memory. Next time when you have to concentrate on an important project, get rosemary oil to support you.

5.Peppermint

Take a deep breath and inhale some peppermint oil. It encourages easy breathing and enhances mental focus. I always keep peppermint roller ball in my travel bag to instantly recharge my mind.

6.Sandalwood

The sweet woody aroma of sandalwood takes me back to my childhood. In India, we respectfully apply sandalwood paste on our forehead after prayer. The fragrance of sandalwood oil gives a mental clarity, calms the mind and boosts memory. It is one of my favorite essential oil and I burn sandalwood incense sticks in the morning to invite positivity and harmony.

Ways to use essential oils:

1. Put few drops of an essential oil on a handkerchief or cotton pad.

2. Put few drops of an essential oil to a bath or shower

3. Put few drops of essential oil in an electric diffuser.

4. Put few drops of essential oils to a spray bottle filled with distilled water.

Warning: Always Keep in mind that it’s important to consult a health professional before using any type of essential oil.

Interesting Titbit:“In the 20th century, aromas were first used in therapeutic practice. The founder of this practice was Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French perfumer, and chemist, who accidentally discovered that when he applied Lavender oil to a burn on his hand the healing process was extraordinarily quick. He observed that the oil was both aromatic and therapeutic and coined the term Aromatherapy.” – New Directions Aromatics

What are your favorite essential oils to declutter and calm your mind?

Do you want to try out some DIYs using essential oils? If yes, then click here.

Lots of love!

xoxo

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by New Directions Aromatics.  The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.