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Sometimes no matter how much sleep or relaxation we’ve enjoyed, we still feel flat! Mood-boosting is required to counteract negative feelings, so what can we do to help? Advocates of aromatherapy suggest essential oils can boost energy and mood, and even creativity; we can only agree that there are minimal side effects compared to using caffeine or alcohol to manipulate our moods.
Your sense of smell is powerful, and cheerful scents that remind people of happy or relaxing times can play a part in changing your state of mind.
We recommend using essential oils to boost your mood naturally. Essential oils are concentrated compounds extracted from plants used in aromatherapy, which sounds complicated, but it isn’t.
Essential oils are typically inhaled or diluted and applied to the skin. Keep reading to find out which oils you can use to boost your mood right now.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil ( Eucalyptus globulus) originates from Australia. The oil is made from the leaves of the tree.
Once the leaves are dried and compressed and distilled, we use the oil to stimulate your nervous system and as a mood booster.
The smell can be quite medicinal and not to everyone’s taste. However, a small amount in your diffuser first thing in the morning may help to wake you up.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum Verum) is a popular choice, especially in the winter.
It is derived from the bark or leaves of the Cinnamomum Verum tree and the Cinnamomum cassia tree and is distilled to create the oil.
Use cinnamon oil in a diffuser to bring back comforting memories associated with baking and food.
Used for centuries in aromatherapy and linked to many benefits, including reduced depression and anxiety and better sleep.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia) is produced by pressing the inside of the rind of a bergamot orange fruit.
It is not like regular orange or even sweet orange oil. The fruit is from the citrus family but has a heady woody undertone used in Earl Grey tea production.
The benefits of bergamot are stress reduction and alleviation of depression and anxiety when inhaled.
Bergamot is an uplifting scent as many in the citrus family are, but it may harm pregnant women, young children, and pets. So, bear this in mind when deciding if this is the right oil for you.
Grapefruit Oil
Grapefruit oil comes from the fruit’s rind, and its scent is known to perk up whoever smells it.
In short, it’s trendy because its cooling and decongesting benefits energize the body and mind.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil (Mentha × Piperita) is widely used because you can almost buy it anywhere.
It belongs to the Labiatae family and is commonly known for its digestive properties; a little known side effect of these properties is stimulation and mood enhancement.
Use the oil in a diffuser or vaporization. Do not put directly onto the skin, as the oil may irritate.
Most importantly, avoid peppermint essential oil if you’re taking homeopathic remedies or you’re pregnant.
Orange Oil
Orange oil (Citrus sinensis), like grapefruit oil, is produced naturally in the rind.
It’s non-toxic and generally considered a great all-rounder in the aromatherapy world.
For instance, it can be used to treat skin conditions and improve the immune system as well as boost one’s energy.
Mixing Your Oils
Any of the oils we have mentioned will boost your mood, but the following formula works well for everyone, including pregnant women, young children, and even animals.
- Two drops of eucalyptus oil
- Two drops of cinnamon oil
- One drop of orange oil
- Two drops of grapefruit oil
Put this formula into your diffuser and discover the difference it makes to your mood.
More potent oils also mix well to boost your mood and feeling of well being.
Try this combo:
- Two drops of eucalyptus oil
- Two drops of cinnamon oil
- One drop of orange oil
- Two drops of grapefruit oil
- Three drops of bergamot oil
- One drop of peppermint oil
Don’t put these formulas directly on the skin. Essential oils are potent and require a carrier oil if you wish to apply them topically. The recipes we have suggested are for inhalation only.
We hope you enjoy the suggestions, and your mood is now boosted. Be happy!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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