Rise and Shine! Essential Oils to Help You Wake Up and Start Your Day, Improve Focus, and Support Me

I've been working with a lot of invigorating oils the past few days and you know what I've noticed? I'm easily remembering where I parked my car when I stop for groceries on the way home. Maybe that's not a big deal for you, but I am often on auto pilot, thinking about products, work, family and what not. When you're in auto pilot its so easy to miss an exit, forget where you put your phone, forget where you parked, and all kinds of other forgetting.

But I love when I can feel the effects of oils and hydrosols I'm working with and share with my clients. Blending "Focus Blends" and sinus relief shower steamers has got me feeling awake, focused, and on point.

As a busy mom, tutor, aromatherapist, and formulator it's tough finding enough hours in the day to all that needs to be done. I strive to find time to pray and read my bible, exercise, be an good wife and mom, and attend to my jobs and volunteer activities.

I love my green tea and a cup of organic fair trade coffee in the morning but I also use essential oils to help me wake up and feel more alert and focused. Here are four of my favorites and ideas on how to incorporate them into your routine to rise and shine!

1. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): One whiff of peppermint and you'll know why it's a great choice for morning. It uplifts and literally feels like a breath of fresh air. The deep minty, menthol aroma opens airways, supports feelings of alertness and focus. Add this oil to your diffuser or simply inhale from the bottle and you'll be amazed at how refreshed you feel. Research suggest it can improve work and athletic performance. You go peppermint! Woot!

2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): I LOOOVE rosemary. Some people find it strong and may need to tone it down but it is an amazing oil to support focus, memory, and it is suggested to support the adrenals. Rosemary essential oil smells herbal and invigorating. It comes in a variety of chemotypes so your favorite rosemary essential oil may smell very different from your friends. Rosemary combines well with peppermint and citrus oils to create uplifting, invigorating blends. It improves circulation and opens airways. Did I mention I LOOOVE this essential oil.

3. Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi): Grapefruit essential oil smells sweet, refreshing, uplifting, and brightens any space. Rich in limonene this oils supports immune health and is like a ray of sunshine. This gorgeous oil is a welcome addition to your morning diffuser blend.

4. Orange (Citrus sinensis): Sweet orange, wild orange, and blood orange go by the same botanical name. These essential oils may smell different but they have something in common -- they are uplifting, smell sweet and inviting, and promote a positive mood. Rich in limonene these oils support immune health and are a great way to start your day,

A morning diffuser or shower blend. I have to be honest -- I crave these essential oils when I wake up in the morning. I love adding a combination of these to my diffuser to start my day as I boil water for green tea. Sometimes I add in a bit of wild mint or corn mint but I love this minty, herbal, citrusy combo and it really helps me to get going.

Suggested Diffuser Blend: Feel free to add any combo of these oils to your diffuser and of course be cognizant of using oils safely around fragile individuals or children (feel free to contact me with any questions). But here is a lovely blend to start your day:

1-2 drops peppermint

1-2 drops rosemary

2 drops grapefruit

2 drops orange

Of course you can vary as you like or to fit your oil stash. Peppermint/orange would do as would rosemary/grapefruit and so forth. Go forth and enjoy your mornings and all the extra support for memory and focus!

aromatic blessings,

Tricia