Kathleen Moulton
One valuable tip that has worked for me is aromatherapy. Essential oils are extracted from the roots, seeds, leaves, or blossoms of plants. While I have not delved into all their uses, I have been pleased with using them for their aroma.
According to the article "9 Aromatherapy Health Cures" (Sarah Mahoney, Prevention Magazine, December 2012):
In a study at Wheeling Jesuit University, peppermint vapors gave college basketball players more motivation, energy, speed, and confidence.Additionally:
In an Austrian study, researchers wafted the smell of oranges before some participants and lavender before others. The two groups felt less anxious, more positive, and calmer, compared with participants who were exposed to no fragrance at all.
There is lots of information on the internet about aromatherapy and what scents produce. Here are a few I've used:
- lavender - calming and relaxing
- citrus (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) - energizes, promotes alertness and concentration
- peppermint - invigorating, energy booster
- eucalyptus - mental exhaustion, lethargy, stress
- tea tree - stimulates the brain and provides blood flow
- rosemary - headaches, fatigue, tired eyes, focus, memory
- basil - wakes up the mind
Are you feeling stressed with deadlines? Do you need some fresh energy or soothing tranquility? Try aromatherapy. A diffuser on your desk or in your living space may help give you the boost you need!
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Kathy Moulton is a published freelance writer. You can find her passion to bring encouragement and hope to people of all ages at When It Hurts -http://kathleenmoulton.com
8 comments:
Hi, Kathy,
Great post.
Did you know that a study done several years ago found that the scent men find most sexually stimulating is the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls? Go figure...
Happy writing!
Kathy, very interesting post. It's amazing what scents can conjure up and how useful they can be. I never thought of scents related to writing!
Ha ha Suzanne, I did know that! ; )
Karen, I was just thinking how certain smells conjures up happy (and sad) moments. My childhood yard was filled with oak trees and the memory of that smell in the fall seems to stir something deeply within me and helps my creativity.
And smell is a very important part of the five senses in writing vivid scenes!
Absolutely, Heidi!
Great post. The smell of coffee relaxes me and says it's time to write.
Kathleen, I loved your post. I've been a lavender lady for ages and can't resist running the flowers through my fingers as I pass. But suddenly I find I love the scent of roses, perhaps because we had so few this summer.
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