Unleash Your Creativity: Top 10 Essential Oils
Oils can evoke a variety of emotions, which is why I absolutely love to use them to support creativity.
I always use them in the art studio and truth be told, I actually use them in my office as well (my day job). Much like we stimulate our sense of vision, essential oils activate our emotional brain via the limbic system. Tapping into this emotional center, you can create or access different moods, energy and memories, unlocking new levels of creativity.
Creativity is the foundation and a primary source for problem-solving, innovation, ideation and play. While I tend to diffuse oils every day, there are very specific ones I use when “full maker-energy” is desired — or required. Depending on my current state, I switch up aromas and blends to create needed into energy, flow and whatever I want to tap into that day.
"It is believed that aromatherapy can be especially beneficial for the artistic soul. Essential oils can increase creativity by stimulating certain messages to the brain and enhancing relaxation and positivity. Leonardo Da Vinci is said to have used aromatics as a method of inducing inspiration, and his essential oil of choice was Neroli oil. Neroli is a citrus-based fragrance with the ability to elevate the mood and relieve anxiety." - Aromatherapy Press
Here are 10 of my personal favorite Young Living oils to help unleash creativity and create conditions ideal for bringing your ideas to life. If any of these interest you, visit my Young Living site and choose the Creativity oils you love (see below for 10% code)! Check out my other blog post on the Top 5 Essential Oil Blends.
Lavender essential oil encourages emotional honesty and liberates us to create. It calms the insecurities that can surface when we're beginning a new project or exploring new ideas.This oil can help bring you to a state of calmness and stimulates the region of your brain used for expression. It will increase your sense of vitality and help you to think more clearly. It is one of the only essential oils that is safe enough to apply directly to the skin without the use of a carrier oil, which makes it extremely convenient. This oil comes in the Make a Shift Starter Kit. Aromatic: diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly to inhale. Topically: Dilution not required except for the most sensitive skins.
Jasmine produces feelings of calm, confidence, optimism and a gentle sense of euphoria to the mind, body and spirit. When you feel elated, you are more confident and ready to tackle large undertakings. Jasmine has a warm, floral, rich, heavy, sweet, and fruity aroma. Aromatic: diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly to inhale. Topically: Dilute 1 drop with carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops on location, chakras or flex points. Dilution not required except for the most sensitive skin.
Peppermint - I often use this more at my day job than in my art studio, but I can certainly understand how this oil, which is said to create alertness and help you achieve greater depths of concentration could benefit! This oil also comes in the Make a Shift Starter Kit. Aromatic: diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly to inhale. Topically: Dilute 1 drop with carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops on location, chakras or flex points. Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, sensitive skin or wounds. Do not apply on infants younger than 18mo.
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Frankincense - I was super curious about this one and have found it to be quite amazing. Said to have a calming effect on the body’s nervous system and on the mind, helping to alleviate those feelings of overwhelm. Much like play, relaxation helps you remain open to your creative self. It can be applied to the wrists, inhaled or diffused. Aromatic: diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly to inhale. Topically: Dilute 1 drop with carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops on location, chakras or flex points. Dilution not required except for the most sensitive skins.
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Citrus Oils - I love this family of oils because they can evoke feeling of lightness (lifting even the moodiest of moods). Tangerine promotes happiness and calming, instilling a new sense of purpose. While in a state of playfulness most find creative work to be easier. Orange is relaxing and helps to restore physical energy. Like other citrus oils it creates a positive mood change. With just a few drops, you can fill any space with a sense of joy, peace, and harmony. You can combine Orange with complementary oils such as Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Neroli, and Patchouli. Lime is also a great option for creating a bright, uplifting environment. Smelling freshly sliced, it can transport you instantly to summer and carefree vibes.
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And perhaps one of my absolute favorites is Bergamot. It’s a calming oil that has mood-lifting qualities, helping to keep your flow of creativity constant, while keeping stress levels from rising. Aromatic: diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly to inhale. Topically: Dilute 1 drop with carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops on location, chakras or flex points. Dilution not required except for the most sensitive skins.
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Sacred Sandalwood - This oil provides an uplifting, warm, woodsy, and sweet aroma, while offering a variety of skin benefits. Said to be great for creatives experiencing a creative block or struggling with self-doubt. This wonderful oil is very useful for lifting flagging spirits, instilling self confidence and awareness while creating a grounding environment. (I also use this one for sleep… so see how it works for you!) Aromatic: diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly to inhale. Topically: Dilute 1 drop with carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops on location, chakras or flex points. Dilution not required except for the most sensitive skins
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Ylang Ylang - Meaning "flower of flowers" this oil's floral fragrance is said to balance male-female energies, increases focus, filter out negative energy, and restores confidence and peace. When diffused, it fills a room with calming energy, perfect for bringing your creative vision into reality. Aromatic: diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or directly to inhale. Topically: Dilute 1 drop with carrier oil and apply 1-2 drops on location, chakras or flex points. Dilution not required except for the most sensitive skins.
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Using essential oils for creativity is a method that many artists and creative thinkers use all over the world when they want to get into the right mindset for a project. We all have those days where we get stuck and feel creative blocks. Essential oils can help us get out of these kinds of ruts and into a better headspace. - Aromatherapy Press
If any of these interest you, visit my Young Living site and choose the Creativity oils you love!
How to Use Oils
Aromatic: I am a huge fan of diffusing oils, especially in the studio or office. Either by using just one of the above oils or combining a few for a custom blend, it’s easy to “set and forget” (most diffusers have an auto-off function when the water runs out or you can set a specific mist schedule). The mist is also just the coolest vibe and I find the visual swirls floating around the space visually intoxicating. Alternatively, you can simply inhale the oil’s aroma from the bottle or use a cotton ball to absorb a small amount for your space. This is my absolute favorite diffuser (pricey but transportive and sooooo worth it!) Buy it with this starter bundle and the oils are almost free! Don't forget to use my code for 10% off your first order of 50PV or more SHAREYL
Topically: Oils can also be used directly on your body. Use the oil bottle directly, or if the oil requires a carrier oil, fill a roller bottle with the recommended mix. Apply the oil directly on your flex points (e.g., wrists, behind your ears or neck). Some oils are extremely potent and may require a carrier oil such as avocado, coconut, or jojoba.
{Note: Some oils are also used internally. Since none of the above oils discussed above are recommended for this use however, I won't go into it here! Young Living has a line of Vitality™ Oils that follow FDA guidelines and I would be happy to share more if you're interested.}
Make it Your Own
Much like the creative process is individual, so are your oily preferences. Depending on what you’re working on (or processing through) there is an oil that may help. What works well for you may not work well for others and vice-a-versa. When choosing your oils start with the ones that appeal to you the most and slowly experiment from there. The YL blends are amazing, but don’t be shy about making some of your own to see which recipes hold power for you!
Purchase Oils
I am a Young Living Brand Partner because they are the leader of the essential oils movement and are committed to establishing and maintaining the ultimate, industry-leading standard in essential oil products. They offer an extensive line of essential oils and essential oil-infused, plant-based products that represent the best of nature—through the standards of their Seed to Seal program.
Who you sign up with matters. Not only do you get access to these amazing oils and products at wholesale prices, but you get ME! I'll be here to help you get started, answer any questions and make the most of this investment in your wellness journey.
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