Every human soul has the desire to create. We all, however, experience times when the creative well just seems to run dry. When our motivation, our drive or our focus is dampened, we tend to experience these dry spells or blocks. No matter what our creative pleasure is, we can all use a little boost now and again.
To spark my creativity, I rely on the use of essential oils.
Essential oils are created by distilling naturally occurring chemicals that exist in all plants into a very concentrated form.
Because essential oils are volatile, or evaporate quickly, their molecules are easily inhaled and then used by our brains through our sense of smell. This creates triggers that can profoundly affect our emotions and mood.
Think of it this way: If you begin to use specific oils as a part of your daily creative practice, your brain will identify them as triggers and know that it’s time to settle in and create.
Choosing essential oils
Personally, I use doTERRA Certified Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. Why? Each bottle is independently tested for the highest level of purity and efficacy. Ethically and sustainably sourced, free of toxicity, tested for potency and purity, with high therapeutic value, I’ve found them to support my wellness, my home, and my work in every way.
6 essential oils to revitalize your creative energy
1. Tangerine: The oil of joy & creativity
Photo via Flickr user caligula1995
The bright, citrusy scent of tangerine can lift the darkest of moods and bring qualities of playfulness and cheer to our creative work.
Creativity can be dampened by an overwhelming sense of duty or rigid standards, and tangerine helps us break through and get to work with a new, more child-like sense of purpose. Tap into an abundant pool of creative energy that is already within you, just waiting to be released. Let the joy flow!
How to use tangerine essential oils:
- To boost creative energy and uplift your mood, place one to two drops in the palm of your hand, rub them together and cup them over the nose and mouth for 30 seconds.
- Apply to wrists or abdomen to promote feelings of happiness.
2. Frankincense: the oil of calm
The soft, spicy scent of frankincense is a tonic for our nervous system, calming and soothing the whole body and mind. This is a gentle, nurturing oil that helps us feel cared for and guided to be our clearest, best creative self.
Whenever I am feeling harried or overwhelmed, it is frankincense that I reach for, applying a drop on my wrists, rubbing them together and taking a few deep, calming breaths. When we are calm, our creative selves are freer to emerge and play.
How to use frankincense oil:
- Apply this essential oil to the bottoms of the feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance your mood.
- Diffuse frankincense during your creative practice to focus your intention and to evoke feelings of peace and satisfaction.
3. Lavender: the oil of communication
Photo via Flickr user elminium
Lavender essential oil cannot be beat for aiding our ability for expression. It calms the insecurities that sometimes surface when we are beginning a new project or exploring new ideas. It can reduce anxious feelings, even when the ability to smell aromas has been lost.
This soft, fragrant flower Oil encourages us to express emotional honesty in our work and liberates us to shine forth and CREATE!
How to use lavender oil:
- Diffuse lavender in your work space to promote feelings of vitality.
- Keep a small bottle of lavender oil and water to mist your face and bring an instant sense of well-being and clarity.
4. Clary sage: The oil of clarity and vision
Photo via Flickr user liesvanrompaey
This lovely oil can help change our perceptions, dispelling our limiting beliefs about our work and opening our hearts and minds to new possibilities. It can inspire us to rely more on our intuition and expand our horizons.
Clary Sage is one of the most relaxing, soothing and balancing essential oils, creating a restful environment while reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
How to use clary sage oil:
- Diffuse this essential oil while you work to synergistically soothe and calm the nervous system, allowing for more clarity in your creative practice.
- Apply one to two drops of clary sage oil to the bottoms of the feet or to the pulse points before you begin your work.
5. Jasmine: the oil of optimism and confidence
Photo via Flickr user liesvanrompaey
The most sensual and feminine of the oils, jasmine brings a gentle sense of euphoria to the mind, body and spirit. When we feel elated, we feel more confident and ready to tackle even our biggest projects.
I diffuse Jasmine in my studio when I know I’ve got a tough job ahead. If I really need a boost, I will enhance this oil’s amazing effects by sipping some hot jasmine tea.
How to use jasmine oil:
- Diffuse this oil to evoke feelings of joy, peace and self-confidence.
- Rub a drop onto your third eye (the space between the eyebrows) for a spacious feeling of optimism. It’s wonderful for the skin, too!
6. Peppermint: the oil of concentration
Photo via Flickr user Anna Gregory
Nothing wakes me up like a drop of peppermint oil rubbed onto the back of my neck or onto my temples. This bright, minty oil brings a sense of joy and buoyancy to the heart and soul, helping us to let go of inhibitions and really concentrate on the task at hand. It invigorates the mind and spirit while also helping us to breathe in more clean, clear inspiration.
How to use peppermint oil:
- Inhale peppermint oil straight from the bottle for a non-stimulant, invigorating pick-me up during long work sessions.
- Rub on temples before you work for an energy boost.
- Diffuse when feeling fatigued or low on energy and really need a boost for your concentration.
I use these Essential Oils regularly to help me keep my creative fires stoked. They help me to find motivation when I’m lacking it, boost my energy and assist me in summoning my courage to freely express myself in my creative work.
Using oils as part of my daily creative rituals helps me to connect to my inner child and find my joy and playfulness. I can’t imagine my work as an artist without them. I hope you will give them a try, too!
Always check with your health practitioner about using essential oils if you are under a physicians care, pregnant, or nursing a baby. And it’s good practice to dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, if you are applying it topically to the skin. There is no need to dilute if you are using your oils in a diffuser.
If you have any questions or would like more information on the oils I use and share with my students in my studio, please ask; I’m here to help.
Thanks for such a well explained article. I can't wait to try these essential oils for DIY skincare.
Thank you for this enriching article. These essential oils will undoubtedly fuel our artistic expression and innovation.
Very happy to see that essential oils have made an appearance on Craftsy. I'm interested in learning more about how essential oils can be used in DIY topical products like balms, sugar scrubs, or sprays.
I also was amazed to read you recommending placing essential oils directly on the skim. One of the top safety rules if using essential is topically is to mix with a carrier oil. Even a novice should know that.And yes, at the end of the article it mentions using a carrier oil . But as others have pointed out, that May never be looked at. You could mention the fact very early on in your article or at least in your ( how to use)!sections. Otherwise I liked the article and found the information interesting.
Nice
I loved the article but was so excited about trying out the essential oils that I followed your suggestions and applied directly to the skin. Only later at the end of the article you advised using almond oils as a carrier. By then it was too late. I suggest inserting the recommendation about the carrier oil earlier to avoid potential mishaps. Thanks for your work. I appreciate it.
Is there a printable version of this article?