Not a lot of people know this, but essential oils can be a great, nature-made tool to help you get your creative juices flowing again.
Every essential oil has different properties and effects, so it’s important to find the best option for you. There is a widely extensive range of essential oils, so it may be overwhelming in the beginning.
That’s why we’re here to help guide you through some of the best essential oils that you can use to awaken your creativity!
How Do Essential Oils Boost Creativity?
There will always be people who say, “those don’t really work, it’s all in your head” – don’t listen to them! Essential oils directly affect our brains to provide healing effects and benefits. There are two modes of usage: aroma and absorption.
You may have heard of aromatherapy, an approach that uses essential oils through inhalation to perform positive mental shifts. Your sense of smell plays a role in your creative process, whether you realize it or not!
Therefore, the right essential oils can be used with aromatherapy to elicit an emotional response and encourage creative thinking. You may have noticed the rising popularity of essential oil diffusers, which are used to bring this concept to life.
Within your brain, there is a network of cells called the “limbic system,” which works to control your emotions, mood, and instincts. When the aroma from essential oils is inhaled, they reach the top of your nose (known as the olfactory bulb), which is an extension of your limbic system. Once the aroma travels through this system, it will produce an emotional response.
The other way you can use essential oils is through absorption. There are plenty of essential oils that are used topically, some for mental benefits and others for physical. However, we’re talking about boosting creativity and how these essential oils are absorbed in order to affect the brain. When you apply essential oils, they can be absorbed by your bloodstream, which then travels to your brain to perform the benefits.
7 Essential Oils to Awaken Your Senses, Focus, and Creativity
1. Frankincense
This is a very popular essential oil for enhanced creativity and people who suffer from brain injuries. Frankincense is rich in sesquiterpenes, a compound that helps deliver oxygen to the brain, helping heal damaged brain cells. For example, this recent study from 2020 showed the measurable effects that essentials oils (including frankincense) have on mental health for improved function.
It also works to calm and soothe your mind so that you feel more clear headed. It’s just like a breath of fresh air for your mind! That being said, once it works to clear your thoughts, it allows your mind to focus more on your creative process without being held back by overwhelming thoughts.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a very refreshing aroma that can heal headaches and also promote concentration. When you’re stuck in a creative rut, it’s easy to get distracted.
Peppermint oil provides the perfect pick-me-up when your mind is feeling sluggish or unmotivated. It helps you boost enthusiasm for your projects and let go of the distractions surrounding you so you can focus on feeling inspired. Evidence of these effects have been shown in multiple trials, including this 2008 study.
This oil can be used with aromatherapy, or it can be absorbed by rubbing on your temples. Both of these methods will help you feel energized and motivated to create.
Our Mint Essential Oil Inhalers contain a blend of peppermint, eucalyptus, and spearmint oils for times when you need that creative boost.
3. Jasmine Oil
Jasmine oil takes a more euphoric approach when boosting creativity in comparison to other options. It’s hard to find inspiration to create when you feel down in the dumps or critical of yourself. Jasmine oil helps you let go of those feelings that are holding you back and invoke feelings of confidence and joy. A study from 2013 explored the positive effect on emotions & well-being that jasmine oil can provide through inhalation.
The euphoric effects result in increased productivity and creativity, especially for artists who are working on big projects. This is a great choice to boost inspiration when you feel like there is too much pressure for you to create.
A very popular method for using jasmine oil is by applying it between your eyebrows (otherwise known as your “third eye”), which brings a wave of optimism and euphoria to your mind, body, and soul.
4. Lavender Oil
Most people will associate the smell of lavender with sleep or relaxation, so you might be wondering how lavender oil can help boost your creativity. Certain studies, including this 2017 article, show that lavender oil is one of the best essential oil methods to help reduce feelings of anxiety or worry.
When you’re working on something and begin to feel inadequate or stressed out, lavender oil can offer a fast-acting sense of relief. This allows you to feel instantly better and clear-headed so that you can get back to the task at hand.
Another way that lavender works creatively is by providing an open-minded feeling. It helps you explore your thoughts and emotions, as well as helping you express those ideas creatively.
Our Refresh Roll-On contains peppermint, rosemary, and lavender oils that provide a cooling, tingling sensation that helps you feel refreshed and invigorated.
5. Tangerine Oil
Citrusy essential oils are highly effective when it comes to motivation, creativity, and joy! The bright scents of lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine can help bring you out of a dark place (mentally) by boosting your mood.
Research shows that tangerine oil can uplift your mood to invoke a feeling of child-like playfulness. When you try this essential oil, it can help you tap into that imaginative part of your mind without any limits or worries. Instead of focusing on what might go wrong, tangerine oil enables you to focus on thoughts & ideas that bring you joy.
6. Eucalyptus Oil
If you are looking for an essential oil that provides a stronger sense of mental clarity, eucalyptus oil is a fantastic option. Studies have shown that this essential oil can increase awareness through the use of aromatherapy. The scent of eucalyptus is fresh and inspiring to help you feel excited and clear-headed.
Some people even tie eucalyptus plants to their showerhead in order to enjoy these benefits before they take on their day! The steam from the shower spreads the uplifting aromatherapy so that you can feel twice as fresh after your shower.
7. Bergamot Oil
This is the perfect essential oil when you need to block out any intrusive thoughts or understand which factors are stifling your creative work.
Bergamot oil has a lovely scent then promotes balance and harmony while reducing stress and negativity. Even just a quick spritz of this essential oil around your office will help block out bad energy and stay focused on your projects. In fact, a study from 2017 showed promising results when using bergamot oil to promote positive feelings in the waiting rooms of mental health treatment centers.
If you’re having trouble tapping into your creative mindset, there are many essential oils that can help you out. Whether you prefer aromatherapy or absorption, these natural oils can provide endless benefits for mental clarity & productivity.
We all have different struggles when it comes to motivation & creative thinking. Luckily, there is a vast range of essential oils at BoomBoom to target your needs to provide relief and overall positive outcomes.