Green Your Pick-Me-Up: 4 Energizing Scents
Curing that mid-afternoon grogginess doesn't always require you to sip or chew. For those of you looking for an alternative to coffee, tea, or energizing snacks, check out these energy-boosting scents. While working your olfactory sense, many of these natural oils strengthen your immune system, possessing anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that will keep your mind and body productive.
Revitalizing Jasmine: Widely known for its relaxing qualities, this essential oil does more than calm your nerves. Jasmine's therapeutic properties are said to restore energy and produce feelings of confidence, euphoria and optimism. Try adding a few drops to an unscented lotion and keep it on your desk to cure that mid-day slump.
Stimulating Rosemary: Improve your focus and concentration with this all-natural solution. Traditionally referred to as the "herb of remembrance," rosemary is said to improve memory and increase cognitive performance. For a post-lunch pick-me-up, place a few drops of rosemary oil on two or three cotton balls and place them in a bag or container. When you're feeling drained, hold the bag to your nose and take a few deep breaths.
Invigorating Peppermint: According to researchers from the North American Journal of Psychology, peppermint stimulates the brain's reticular activating system, resulting in increased alertness and clear thinking. So if you are feeling a little foggy, regardless of the time of day, dab a few drops of peppermint oil on the nape of your neck and your temples (be sure the oil is diluted with another unscented oil before applying to skin). You can also place a few drops in a small cup of hot water and let the scent permeate the room.
Calming Lavender: Relieve your mid-afternoon stress with this soothing oil. Lavender, like jasmine, helps relieve nervousness and anxiety, restoring balance to your mind. It is important to note that lavender oil should only be used topically or through inhalation, as it is toxic when taken orally. As done with peppermint oil, add a few drops to a small cup of hot water and inhale (but don't drink!) your way to relaxation.
--Image by istockphoto/lsantilli
Brittany Johnson is an editorial intern at Sierra.
Her interests include social and environmental justice specifically
among underrepresented and disadvantaged communities. She majored in
Global Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
taught English in Tanzania and answered phones in various offices before
joining the Sierra family.
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