Writing and Essential Oils

Writers have many tools: a computer, a notepad and pen, a bottomless mug of coffee or tea, and at least one cat. Recently I added another tool to my arsenal that I will never be without: my essential oil diffuser.

You've probably heard about studies where people who smelled a specific scent while cramming for a test and while taking the test did better than people without the scent. There's a long science-y explanation involving the olfactory system and the brain, but the idea is very simple.

Have you ever walked by someone wearing the same cologne or perfume as an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, and been instantly transported back to your first date? Have you ever closed your eyes at the scent of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and thought for sure you were standing in your grandma's kitchen? Those olfactory memories are proof that your sense of smell and your brain are linked in powerful ways.

I decided to take that power and use it to my advantage as a writer. I started diffusing Joy essential oil every time I sat down to write or revise. Not only is Joy uplifting, but the more often I diffused it, the more focused and enjoyable my writing sessions became. Now when I'm diffusing Joy, it's like my brain knows it's time to write. Distractions are fewer, feelings of frustration and discouragement are diminished, and feelings of happiness and productivity are increased.

Occasionally I diffuse other oils while writing. If I need an energy boost, I switch over to lemon oil. Or if I want to write after the craziness that is my day job, the calming vanilla and lime Stress Away blend is my go-to oil to diffuse. Someday soon I hope to try the Motivation and Magnify Your Purpose essential oils blends while I write. I'll report back once I do.

You can find out how to add a diffuser and essential oils to your writing arsenal here.

Happy writing!