As a writer, you might not have given a second thought to the aromas that fill your working space. Mostly, for me, it’s au-de-cat or au-de-horse and not au-de-make-me-creative. Â Actually, though, after a little investigation, aromatherapy has much to offer writers in stimulating thought and creativity.Our sense of smell is the strongest of all the 5 senses and that odours influence the activity of our brains. In fact, even with a reduced sense of smell, research has shown that the brain will still react to olfactory stimulation.To take advantage of this link between aromas and out brain, we can use essential oils in our writing environment.
How to use essential oils
Cotton wool ball: If you work, like me, in an area that is busy with life in our home, putting a few drops of an essential oil onto a cotton wool ball will give you access to the perfect aroma when you need that additional stimulation, without filling the room for others.
Oil diffuser: these work with candles to burn the oil and release the smell into your office or writing room.
Simple bowl of water: Add a few drops your preferred oil into a bowl of hot water.
What oils are best?
Lavender is a calming oil, good for reducing nervous tension, that stimulates honesty from an emotional perspective and frees us up to be creative.
Lemon is great for your concentration and has soothing properties to help you feel calm and refreshed.
Peppermint is an oil that can stimulate concentration and focus your mind for clarity in thinking. Great for working up the fine details of a plot point.
Rosemary is ideal as a tonic to pick up your mood and can help to improve your memory.
Basil is an under-used oil that is great for clearing your mind, boosting your energy levels and making you feel more alert.
Cinnamon has great properties that help you to overcome mental fatigue, increasing your concentration for writing.