Essential Oils for Positive Thinking

Whilst out walking the dog I glimpsed nature’s first green shoots pushing up in the gardens and hedgerows. The first signs of spring, the season of re-birth. The optimist in me dared to think that perhaps the long, cold days of winter are now behind us. That thought put me in a positive frame of mind, which remained with me for the rest of the day.

This experience made me realise how important it is for us to maintain a positive outlook, helping us to tackle the stresses of modern life. The lovely thing about being upbeat is that it rubs off on the people you have contact with during the day.  I began to research and experiment with essential oils that could help me to maintain this encouraging frame of mind and I would like to share my findings with you. 

Citrus oils are known for their uplifting qualities. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) has a sweet, citrusy aroma with spicy-floral undertones and encourages confidence, joy and motivation. It is a balancing oil that can bring harmony and good cheer when diffused around the home.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) enlivens and energises, brings about a feeling of joy, alertness and spontaneity, so this is a great oil to use in a morning for some ‘get-up-and-go’.

The rich, warm, peppery aroma of basil (Ocimum basilicum) promotes positivity, a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. It can encourage assertiveness and decisiveness; something we all need a hand with now and then!  

 Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is a lovely oil for anyone feeling vulnerable and insecure as it offers strength and protection. This oil offers inner peace, balance and confidence. It can also be useful when our will power need a boost, whether it be sticking to a diet or overcoming an addiction.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) is a lesser known essential oil that has a soft, earthy scent. Again this oil offers strength and protection, encourages self-esteem and is very grounding, making it useful for anyone who lives with their ‘head in the clouds’.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) with its sweet, intense floral perfume encourages calmness, joy and enthusiasm, as well as boosting self- confidence.

By surrounding ourselves with these aromas we can affect the way we feel about ourselves and other people we come into contact with. Whether you use essential oils in a diffuser to scent the home, massage into the body in a carrier or simply sniff directly from a tissue; enjoy the impact they can have on your day to day lives.