Coffee & energy drinks will deliver an energy boost but because they’re packed with so much caffeine and (sometimes frankly horrifying amounts of) sugar, artificial flavours and colours, they can have really negative effects when they wear off.
With the New Year having just arrived, you may be looking to cut down on these artificial stimulants? You might be fed up with the mood swings, skin problems and other issues that can be the result of too much sugar and artificial ingredients.
Caffeine from tea and coffee on the other hand is certainly not as bad, but they do leave our bodies feeling dehydrated and often we will crash later on in the day. Natural alternatives can often give us a more subtle lift but it’s one that will be more consistent and balanced and so avoids the energy dips later in the day.
Of course for us to maintain our energy levels, we need to ensure we’re getting a sufficient amount of sleep and rest time, whilst ensuring we’re getting everything we need from our diet.
Lack of sleep and deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin D can often be key factors as to why we may feel tired and run down. Sometimes however, we’re just in need of a gentle lift to help us get through the day.
Here are a few ways you can easily incorporate essential oils into your daily routine to gently boost energy levels during the day.
Create your own energising and concentration improving car air freshener:
You can enjoy the invigorating aromas of essential oils in your car through creating your own air freshener. Simply cut a piece of felt into the desired size and shape then pierce a hole in your felt to thread some string through. When you’ve done this simply add 6-8 drops of essential oil onto your felt.
Hang where desired in your car and enjoy the natural, aromas. A great blend to add would be 2 drops Peppermint and 4 drops Basil. Peppermint is one of the most invigorating and energising oils which will also effectively mask any bad odours that may be hanging around. Basil is renowned for increasing concentration and also adds its own energising properties.
Of course if you’re not a fan of these oils then you can try something fruity and energising such as Grapefruit.
Enjoy an energising and uplifting shower:
Many of us simply don’t always have the time to enjoy the benefits of essential oils in a bath. However, it’s even easier to enjoy the positive effects of oils in a shower.
Take a few seconds to add a few drops to the bottom of the shower in the morning. The aroma will diffuse through the steam and allow you to take a moment to enjoy the therapeutic benefits they have to offer. This really takes no time at all - try using oils such as Eucalyptus or Rosemary to help kick start your day. Just be careful on the extra slippery floor!
Stop the slump – essential oils for boosting energy as the day goes on:
To try and combat that mid-afternoon slump you can try getting a quick energy boost from your favourite essential oil. You may want to carry a bottle with you at all times (you never know when it might come in handy) or simply add a few drops to a handkerchief and keep with you. A few oils you may like to use:
Grapefruit – this is a great companion for anyone studying or those of you who work in an office. If you’re struggling to focus or feel your mind wondering then Grapefruit essential oil can lend a helping hand. Its energising, uplifting and attractive aroma is thought to be useful in helping steer us away from procrastination and assist us in staying focused and alert.
Lemongrass- revitalising and intense. Lemongrass’s scent will help you to power through the day. Its fresh and uplifting scent can help awaken your mind and help you revive and restore. A useful oil to relieve the symptoms of jet lag and general fatigue.
Basil - to help stimulate the senses and combat mental fatigue, try diffusing Basil essential oil. Used in aromatherapy to promote mental clarity and inner strength. It’s a great oil for helping combat feelings of stress so you can get on with your day. On its own, the aroma may not be pleasing to all, but it will blend wonderfully with sweet citrus oils such as Orange and Bergamot.
Cinnamon - Cinnamon is thought to act as a brain tonic. Its stimulating affects are thought to help boost brain activity and reduce likelihood of memory loss. Cinnamon is a warming oil which you may find nice to burn during the colder months.
Cinnamon should only be used in small quantities as it is a very powerful oil which should be used with caution. If applying to the skin ensure you dilute heavily as it can have a tendency to cause irritation.
Both Cinnamon and Basil are probably a little too strong to sniff straight from the bottle – best to add a drop or two to a handkerchief if you want to carry them with you during the day.
There are so many different ways to make use of Aromatherapy in our lives and you don’t need to be an expert to do so. Just be aware of the ground rules and apply common sense.
If you’re planning to create a massage blend then ensure that you dilute them in a carrier oil to no more than 3% before applying to the skin. You should also ensure the oils are used externally only (take especially good care not to get any in your eyes).
Also remember that essential oils are incredibly concentrated and powerful. Only a small amount is needed to make a big difference so if you're unsure about how much to use, always start off with a little and increase gradually as desired.
Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to have a look at our other blogs – there’s oodles of free advice, blends and tips just waiting for you to discover them. Click here to learn more.
