Find More Joy and Lightness with Essential Oils
With the whirlwind of life pulling us in so many directions these days, it can be incredibly challenging to experience genuine joy, happiness and peace day-to-day. According to recent studies, anxiety and stress levels, especially among suburban women, have reached staggering highs. Between juggling family commitments, long to-do lists, volunteer work and intense jobs, moments of playfulness, presence and lightheartedness often get lost in the shuffle.
When we’re overly stressed, (which applies to a majority of us!) it negatively impacts every facet of health from digestion issues, to headaches, to mood disorders. Our thoughts tend to fixate on the millions things we need to tackle, making it hard to see all the beauty and blessings that surround us daily. This endless worrying robs our energy, strips away gratitude and prevents us from fully engaging in each precious moment before it slips away.
The wonderful thing is, since our mind and body work as an interconnected system, we can access joy through natural, holistic techniques that shift our physical state and biochemistry. Essential oil therapy provides one gentle yet profoundly effective method. Let’s explore the mechanisms behind how smell interacts with emotional states, the top oils for boosting joyfulness and simple ways to integrate them into your self-care rituals. With the right essences on hand, you’ll feel lighter and brighter in no time!
A 2017 study found that 58% of participants reported a reduction in anxiety and a more positive mood after diffusing essential oils like bergamot, lemon and sandalwood. These citrus and floral scents have repeatedly been shown to boost happiness.
Why Essential Oils Boost Happiness, Gratitude and Presence
Essential oils leverage the tight ties between our sense of smell and the emotional center of the brain. Inhaling therapeutic compounds interacts directly with receptors in the nose that have a direct line to the amygdala and limbic system, which handles emotions, behavior, motivation and long-term memory storage.
This means when you breathe in these potent plant oils, they immediately get to work shifting your internal state on a physical level by changing cellular, metabolic responses. In turn, scents also tie intimately with past emotional memories and can rapidly elevate mood by sparking positive recollections.
For example, the aroma of fresh orange may transport you back to fond childhood memories sitting on grandma’s porch peeling the bright citrus fruits. Or a whiff of cinnamon elicits cozy feelings curled up around the fireplace over winter holidays surrounded by loved ones. Scent creates an instant neurological shortcut to joyfulness, presence and gratitude stored deep within.
Best Essential Oils to Increase Happiness, Gratitude and Presence
Lavender Essential Oil
This floral favorite naturally reduces stress and anxiety which obstruct happiness. Soothing effects calm racing thoughts so you can redirect focus to blessings around you. Its mild, clean fragrance also aids sleep issues. Diffuse lavender or apply diluted oil to pulse points when you notice tension building.
Lemon Essential Oil
Zesty lemon oil fights fatigue while boosting clarity and concentration. When your mind feels foggy from overwhelm, lemon cuts through so you fully engage each moment. Add to water for a refreshing sip or apply to cotton ball and inhale deeply before starting work.
Frankincense Essential Oil
This spiritually grounding scent connects with a state of gratitude, presence and higher purpose. Studies show it balances mood and reduces anxiety, depression when inhaled regularly. Add a few drops to your diffuser during meditation, prayer or journaling to deepen awareness.
Bergamot Essential Oil
With an aroma similar to orange, this uplifting citrus wonder tackles stress, anxiety and gloomy outlooks. Keep a rollerball apliccator in purse and use when waiting in lines, sitting in traffic etc. The quick mood lift empowers you to infuse mundane moments with playfulness.
Orange Essential Oil
Hard to feel down with this vibrant, energetic scent! Sweet orange oil sparks creativity and childlike wonder so you view everything with positive lens. Blend in unscented body lotion and apply after morning shower to set joy-filled tone for your day.
There you have five versatile, mood-enhancing favorites to add more lightness and daily joy alongside other self-care practices like mindfulness, yoga and positive inner dialogues. Now let’s explore creative ideas for incorporating essential oils into your daily rhythms.
Essential oils high in the constituent terpene linalool, including lavender, bergamot, sweet orange and neroli oils, have been shown to increase dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter directly tied to happy emotions, good moods and feelings of pleasure and reward.
Simple Ways to Integrate Joy & Gratitude Essential Oils
Diffusion
One of the simplest oil uses that subtly shifts environment. Add your favorite singular note like lemon or sweet orange or create a custom blend. Time diffusion to permeate room while getting ready for work, making dinner or during play time with kids.
Skincare & Bath Products
Look for unscented lotions, cleansers and bath salts to mix oils into. Add bergamot, frankincense or neroli into your nightly face washing routine so the scent lingers as you drift off to sleep and primes happier dreams!
Pulse Point Application
Applying diluted oils to pulse points allows scent to surround you throughout day as warmth releases aroma. Place oils like lavender or clove at wrists, temples and neck when extra stress relief is needed.
Aromatherapy Jewelry
Wear joy & calm closer by adding oils to decorative lockets, rings etc. Choose piece you already wear daily. That way a quick sniff helps re-center anytime. Our aromatic bracelets make great always-with-you pick-me-ups!
Rollerball Blends
For portable convenience, make your own rollerballs with essential oils diluted in a carrier. Apply to pressure points when waiting in line, at red lights or during breaks for an instantaneous mood lift!
A study had two groups of students inhale either lemon or almond scent (as control) before participating in a success vs failure competitive task. The lemon group participants tried 32% harder on impossible puzzles after “failure” indicating the happy scent triggered more positive, perseverant moods. The almond scent group tried 19% less hard.
With the simple, yet incredibly effective power of essential oils, you can shift out of stressed thinking and reconnect with inner lightness on a daily basis. Starting small with one new oil technique can make a world of difference. Over time you’ll notice more joy, gratitude and presence infusing all facets of life beautifully! Why not give oils a try and come back to share how your emotional states transform?
