Do you feel like your brain could use a helping hand to get back into school mode? Is the idea of focusing for longer than 5 minutes a worry? Well, then… we’ll let you in on a little secret. There’s a wonderful, natural way for you to remain calm, stay focused and even improve your mood and memory.
Essential oils are the secret to giving your brain a boost and making getting back to work less daunting. And they’re a far better option than another cup of coffee, a soda packed with sugar, an energy drink or meds with harmful chemicals to beat fatigue.
Although essential oils are most popularly known for their emotional and physical benefits, they can play a huge role in helping you think more clearly too. This makes them ideal for treating yourself to a back-to-school gift or giving them to someone else that’s about to start studying again.
Intrigued? Find out more about why every student can benefit from the use of Volant’s diffusers and essential oils.
How Can Essential Oils Help With Focus?
The strong link between our noses and our brains is due to the limbic system which responds to external stimuli like scents. The limbic system is associated with emotion, memory and different primitive drives and reactions. When we’re talking about studying, the association between memory and aromas is particularly important.
Smells can trigger memories, narrow your focus and help you to study more effectively. You recall information linked to specific scents more easily because the limbic system is so entwined with our sense of smell. As essential oils have such distinctive scents, they’re ideal for stimulating the limbic system in various ways.
Certain essential oils can have a direct impact on improving focus and concentration by stimulating areas in the limbic system that control memory, learning and alertness. Other essential oils have an indirect impact on improving focus and concentration by reducing levels of stress, anxiety and other negative emotions that are regulated by the limbic system.
Discover some of the best essential oils that can be used to improve your focus and concentration below!
Using Essential Oils Correctly
There are many ways to use the essential oils we recommend for concentration and focus while you’re studying or working.
The first option is putting oils in a diffuser in the room you’re working in. Add between 10 and 12 drops, and these will be dispersed into the air around you over time. The scent you’ve chosen will be delivered to your limbic system and will affect your mood and your ability to retain knowledge.
Secondly, putting between 10 and 15 drops of your essential oil of choice into a spray bottle with water will allow you to use the mixture to mist your workspace whenever you feel your attention wandering.
Your third option is to apply your essential oil topically. Before you go this route, dilute the oil with a carrier oil. Then do a patch test to ensure your skin doesn't react in any way. A recommended ratio of essential oil to carrier oil is 1:5. This is another way to carry your memory scent with you when you’re writing an exam or taking a test.
The Best Essential Oils For Focus
If you’re not sure which essential oil is best suited to your needs, we recommend the following for that much-needed concentration boost:
Scintillating Cedarwood
The warm, woodsy aroma of Organic Cedarwood Essential Oil is a great way to calm and soothe your nerves if you’re feeling anxious. Apply one or two drops with your carrier oil on your feet first thing in the morning and before bed at night. Or, add it to your diffuser to create a peaceful environment that makes concentrating on your homework or assignments so much easier.
Lively Lemon
Volant’s Organic Lemon Essential Oil has an uplifting scent that’s sure to motivate you to get things done, even if you’re feeling low on energy. Pair it with Spearmint or use it alone and enjoy a general mental boost when you dive into your work. You can also add Lemon Essential Oil to a lotion to give you a lift all day long.
Rich Rosemary
The herbaceous scent of our pure Organic Rosemary Essential Oil will combat both physical and mental fatigue and reduce anxiety. It’s a wonderful choice for when you hit that dreaded slump in the afternoon and can’t seem to stay on track. Use this oil in your diffuser or add a few drops diluted with a carrier oil to the back of your neck and along your hairline to boost your mental function.
Sprightly Spearmint
Volant’s pure Organic Spearmint Essential Oil is a top choice for students as it helps you to concentrate and focus. The minty, fresh scent will stimulate your mind and give you an energy boost. Adding a diluted mix of Spearmint Essential Oil and carrier oil to your stomach area may also assist with digestive issues that often arise when you’re feeling anxious or nervous.
Volant’s Focus Blend
The fresh, keen blend of Cinnamon, Clementine, Rosemary and Vanilla Bean in Volant’s Organic Focus Blend will help you ignore interruptions and keep your mind firmly on your books. Cinnamon will help you be more mindful while Clementine will improve your mood. Rosemary will reduce your stress levels and Vanilla will sweeten your studying schedule.
Staying Safe With Essential Oils
Essential oils are an excellent option for anyone heading back to school. Even younger children that need a little bit of a boost can benefit from them. However, extra precautions must be taken when using essential oils with children.
- Only use high-quality essential oils that are 100% pure like those available from Volant.
- Ensure the essential oils are diluted to the correct strength based on the child’s age. Always start slow and build up. Listed below are maximum dosages:
- 2 – 6 years: 1% - 2%
- 6 – 15 years: 1.5% - 3%
- Over 15 years: 2.5% - 5% - Make sure you know the possible side effects of the oil you’re planning on using so you’re not caught unaware.
- Essential oils should never be ingested so it’s important to keep them out of the reach of children at all times.
A Healthier Study Aid
Tests, exams, assignments and hours of studying are tough, especially when there are so many distractions. Fortunately, essential oils are here to help.
Choosing the right essential oils will help you to focus, keep your mood stable and ensure you’re relaxed and ready for everything that school or university brings.
