Brain fogginess is a terrible plague on productivity. Do you know that feeling when not all your circuits are firing? Your thoughts feel vague, the right words are elusive, reaction times slower, and your motivation levels slump into the doldrums.
What’s the solution for mental fatigue? More coffee...maybe. But there are more sustainable, natural substances that won’t leave you with that jittery buzz, caffeine withdrawal, or an energetic nosedive.
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Oils are a wonderful alternative to uplift yourself, motivate your brain, boost your mood, and wake up in a natural way. They might even be better than coffee!
Try incorporating these holistic recipes into your everyday routine—especially when you need to focus and get work done—for a powerful pick-me-up.
doTERRA’s Motivate® Blend is described as “fresh, clean and minty,” this blend includes peppermint, clementine peel, coriander seed, basil, yuzu peel, melissa leaf, rosemary leaf, and vanilla. The result is an encouraging blend of citrus and mint that gets you going asap.
“Feelings of confidence and courage will replace negative emotions like guilt and pessimism, with the doTERRA’s Motivate Encouraging Blend of mint and citrus essential oils,” says the doTERRA site.
To Use:
If you’ve ever taken a bite of raw ginger or even pickled ginger at a restaurant, you’ll understand the powerful boost it can send straight to your nervous system. Ginger essential oils harness that power to invigorate you and your nervous system when it’s feeling shot.
To Use:
Consume internally by adding a drop or two to a large bottle of water or adding it to your tea.
Inhale from the oil bottle or add to a diffuser.
Caution: Be careful if you’re on blood-thinning medications, as ginger is known to increase blood flow and can be a natural blood thinner.
Like ginger, cinnamon helps your blood get flowing and its natural spiciness can excite a dragging nervous system. Like the cinnamon in a good apple pie or a spiced-up hot toddy, this oil can be the perfect secret ingredient to take your energy to the next level.
To Use:
Ingest by putting a drop of cinnamon in your favorite tea, or mix with honey and hot water.
Gargle with water and a few drops of cinnamon oil.
Put in a spray bottle with water for an effective cleaner that will fill your office or home with an uplifting smell.
Caution: Be careful of skin irritation when applied topically.
That fresh, clean feeling isn’t just for chewing gum in your mouth. Minty oils can have the same refreshing benefit to your mind. They’re like a breath of fresh air for your strained brain.
To Use:
Caution: Be cautious to avoid eye contact.
Much like mints, citrus oils are natural mood boosters and help with mental clarity. Most citrus oils are derived directly from the peel of the fruit—you know that powerful, refreshing burst that emanates from the peel when you break open an orange. Thanks to essential oils, you can get that refreshing sensation even without freshly-picked mandarins.
To Use:
Blend Wild Orange in a diffuser with oils like frankincense and peppermint.
Blend Lemon with ginger, basil, and/or rosemary in a diffuser or spray bottle for cleaning.
Add a drop or two to water and drink for a refresher throughout the day.
Try natural remedies as discussed above and test their effects yourself.
Related reading: "Lavender Oil: 10 Practical Uses and Benefits."
Whether you're looking for a natural way to bring fragrance to your home or for medicinal purposes, essential oils are unbeatable for their uplifting qualities and diversity. Each oil has a personality, practical uses, and unique scent.
They are an incredible asset in every aspect of our lives. If you haven't yet tried them, we recommend DoTerra since their quality, standards, and scientific studies are unmatchable.
Another great brand is Organic Aromas; we especially like their wide assortment of essential oil diffusers.
* None of the statements in this blog have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the above recommendations are intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease. Essential oils are naturally produced substances that can assist the body in its own healing process, but we make no claims whatsoever. Use with moderation and discretion.