Do you find yourself with a wandering mind? Easily distracted? Do you have a hard time focusing on important tasks for prolength periods of time? Whether you are working from home, in the office, or are studying at the library, in today's world we are constantly surrounded by constant in person and digital distractions. Concentration takes serious mental effort and power. Anyone at any age can struggle with sitting still for long stretches of time.

You may be wondering how to focus better. If you are at a loss for where to start, you should consider the benefits of aromatherapy.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is considered a part of holistic healing medicine. Its practice is known to be as old as thousands of years. Historians know that during ancient times China, Egypt, and India all used aromatic herbs. Aromatherapy uses plants as a method of medidce. Today, aromatherapy is most commonly used with essential oils. People claim to have both positive physical and psychological effects on the body. There are many essential oils that can help improve concentration and relax the body and mind. Use this as your beginner guide to holistic healing with essential oils.

#1 Rosemary Oil

Rosemary essential oil is one of the top recommended oils to use for concentration. In 2017 the BBC reported news that researchers found that students should use rosemary oil for studying. The study shows that rosemary oil may have the ability to positively affect your memory. Aromatherapy using rosemary oil can help prevent your body breaking down a brain chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine directly affects cognitive thinking skills including concentration and memory. Plus, rosemary has a very soothing scent which can help relax the body which allows for better focus.

#2 Frankincense Oil

Frankincense is known as the grounding essential oil. It has many uses in holistic medicine. It is often used as a sedative since the smell brings on calming effects. People use frankincense when they have a lot on their mind. Frankincense indirectly assists with concentration because its effects provide mental clarity and calmness. When you are calm you are able to make better decisions comparatively when you are stressed you have a harder time focusing and making decisions. We recommend using Frankincense when you are feeling overwhelmed, but need to get some work done.

#3 Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils out there, and for good reason. It is known for its balancing effects which many people use for relaxation. Similarly to Frankincense, lavender oil indirectly assists with better concentration. Not only does it help calm the mind, but it can be used for treating sleep problems. Those who suffer from insomnia use lavender oil. If you are well rested you will have a better time concentrating on your work the following day.

#4 Peppermint Oil

Studies have shown that peppermint oil can improve concentration and overall metal performance. Peppermint oil specifically stimulates the hippocampus in the brain. This is the part of the brain that deals with memory and emotions. Inhaling peppermint may improve your overall mental performance.

#5 Ylang-Ylang Oil

Ylang-ylang essential oil is best used to ease anxiety and general stress. Research shows that ylang-ylang has the ability to lower cortisol levels in the body. Using ylang-ylang to help relax the body will in turn help you have better mental clarity allowing you to complete your tasks.

#6 Sage Oil

Sage essential oil is different from the other oils discussed above. Sage is used as a natural stimulant. Those who use sage oil in this way claim It stimulates the mind in a way that is uplifting and soothing. They report a sense of attentiveness and better memory. Attentiveness is great in promoting better overall focus.

#7 Lemon Oil

Citrus based essential oils are known to promote positive emotions. Lemon essential oil is frequently used to uplift emotions and promote concentration. You can also use lemon oil with peppermint. Mixed together these two oils will provide a more bright environment which can help ease stress and anxiety.

#8 Basil Oil

Basil may not be the first thing you think when talking about aromatherapy. However, it is very similar to rosemary, the most popular essential oil for concentration. What makes basil oil special is that it is made up of linalool. Linalool is a natural chemical. It positively affects the production of happy brain chemicals such as serotonin. Research shows that linalool can assist with memory and relaxation.

#9 Cedarwood Oil

Another great oil you can combine with other essential oils for better focus is cedarwood. Cedarwood is very popular during the fall and winter seasons because its scent is very warm and forest-like. For the perfect relaxation aromatherapy mix, use drops of both cedarwood and lavender oil.

#10 Clarity Blend Oil

If you are someone who likes mixing scents together then the clarity blend essential oil mix is perfect for you. To make clarity you use drops of lemon, ylang-ylang, rosemary, peppermint, and basil. Think of it as the ultimate aromatherapy technique to help your focus. Use a drop or two of each individual essential oil into your diffuser. You will reap all of the healing properties of each essential oil.

Stay Focused

It is important to identify what distracts you throughout the day. For many people their phones are more of a hindrance than a tool. If you find yourself scrolling through Tik Tok or Twitter it is best you put your phone down. Better yet place it in a drawer in another room from where you work. Between this trick and using aromatherapy you will see just how much you are able to concentrate on your work more easily!