Use aromatherapy to revive and reset your brain
We’ve appreciated the power of aromatherapy for decades and the late Geraldine Howard, joint founder of Aromatherapy Associates with Sue Beechey, was a dear friend who taught us a great deal about how to use it.
Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart, now Brand Ambassador for Aromatherapy Associates, explains that the sense of smell is linked to the deepest parts of the brain – the limbic system - and unlocks our basic instincts, feelings and memories. ‘It’s the most emotive sense,’ she says.
Following little daily rituals using specific essential oils can rewire our brains, according to Dr. Swart. ‘Rituals are really important and recent discoveries about neuro-plasticity [the adaptability of the brain] show that we can change our neural pathways through, for instance, using a mindful sensory ritual that includes aromatherapy to start your day,’ she explains.
This can help you feel brighter in the mornings and help you be more focused and efficient through the day, and then more relaxed come the evening.
Here are easy ways to wake up all your senses, using Aromatherapy Associates Revive blend with stress busting neroli and mood enhancing grapefruit – and we promise you, they really work. Use in the morning and through the day.
TOUCH
Wake up your body with dry skin body brushing to promote healthy skin circulation. We like the Revive Body Brush/£25. Then massage a capful of Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil/£48 for 55ml, with neroli, grapefruit and juniper berry, on to your body before stepping into your bath or shower.
SMELL
After your bath or shower, take five minutes to focus on you. Warm a drop of Revive Body Oil/£46 for 100ml, between your hands, cup to your face and inhale deeply three times. Feel your shoulders go down and your racing brain became balanced. Then apply the oil to your body to soften and nourish your skin.
SIGHT
Go green! Wonder round the garden, walk to work through your local park or tree-fringed streets if you’re in town, meet friends outside for a munch and a stroll. Look at the trees – the bark, leaves, branches - notice blossom and flowers, spot wildlife – birds, rabbits and not so wild dogs. Nature is proven to lower stress and boost wellbeing.
SOUND
Find a quiet place and take time out to be still. Apply the Revive Morning Roller Ball/£18 for 10ml, to your wrists, bring them to your nose and take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you. When your mind wanders, bring it back to the sounds. Stopping and allowing your body to reboot in this way recharges it naturally.
Also, create a playlist of music and songs that make you feel positive. Use the Roller Ball as above while you listen to your playlist so your mind associates the smell with your re-energised self.
Taste:
Take time to sit and enjoy your food. Leave your phone and tablet on one side. Find somewhere away from your desk and do not eat on the go! Make your plate look as enticing as possible. Sit at a table; eat slowly and really notice each bite – the smell, texture, taste. Eating mindfully like this means you can tell when your body has had sufficient.
