Try these focus-enhancing essential oils
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is not just an herb to sprinkle onto your gluten-free pasta: It can also help you focus. “It’s an evergreen flowering shrub that is part of the mint family of culinary herbs, and the essential oil is distilled from the flowering tops,” explains Galper. “This oil is rich in molecules that are shown to be very protective and supportive to our overall wellbeing. The aroma offers an experience of profound clarity and purification, and can energize our thoughts and exercise our memory. It’s supportive to breathing, circulation, detox, and inner strengthening.”
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): You know when you can smell peppermint. It’s a very distinct scent that holds powers behind it: “Peppermint is the perfect oil to reach for when feeling stuck and lethargic and in need of a stimulating boost to keep awake and focused,” says Galper. Yes, please. She adds that it’s an antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial, and helps with clearing inflammatory pain. “Peppermint is extremely uplifting, clearing, and opens your breath to help clear your mind, as well as works to get you moving and focused.” Bonus points for relieving nervous tension and a nervous tummy.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) You might turn to grapefruit in the a.m. for a healthy boost to your day. The acidic fruit can do the same for your senses, according to Galper. “Grapefruit essential oil is very uplifting and energizing, and disperses stagnancy and negative thoughts and feelings,” she says. “It offers clarity and focus, and is great to add to all kinds of topical body care or in aromatic mists or diffusers.” The fruit extract is also antibacterial, an astringent, and is known as a joyful scent. (NOTE: ANY CITRUS IS NOT FOR PETS!).
Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides): Chances are you’ve been introduced to vetiver in a fragrance with its intoxicating scent. But it’s a useful essential oil when it comes to focus. “Vetiver oil is composed of multiple sesquiterpenes, giving it a grounding effect on emotions,” Dr. Rodriguez explains. “When experiencing anxious, unnerved, or stressed feelings, use vetiver oil topically—such as on the bottom of your feet or back of your neck—with a carrier oil or diffuse it to help provide a calming and grounding effect on your emotions.”
Basil (Ocimum): It’s great on pizza, sure, but in essential oil form, basil can also help you with concentration. “Basil oil provides great benefits to both the mind and body due to its high linalool content, making it an ideal application to help reduce feelings of tension when applied to the temples and back of the neck,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “You can also use it in a diffuser to promote a sense of focus while studying or reading.”
Spearmint (Mentha spicata): Another minty fresh essential oil can also be used to help you focus: spearmint. “The main chemical component of spearmint essential oil is carvone, which contains energizing properties that strongly contribute to the oil’s mood-enhancing abilities,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “When diffused, the cleansing and energizing aroma of spearmint oil encourages a sense of focus while simultaneously uplifting mood.”
