The truth is, most people just aren’t morning people.
Early morning workouts can often accompanied by grogginess, sleepiness, and the feeling of doing exercise in a thick fog.
You don’t necessarily have to power through that feeling. You can help clear up the fog with rosemary essential oil.
What is Rosemary?
Even if you don’t cook, you have most likely heard about rosemary as an herb commonly used in cooking. It has a citrusy, woodsy aroma, and it looks like pine needles. The needles vary in size, depending on the variety. While they aren’t as famous as the needles, rosemary also has white or purple flowers. While they don’t look or taste similar, rosemary is related to the mint family.
What Does Rosemary Essential Oil Do?
Rosemary essential oil, when inhaled, can have profound positive effects on your brain.
Until recently, this property hadn’t been properly studied. A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of rosemary on the nervous system, where they measured such things as skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and mood. After inhalation, there was a significant decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and repertory rate. All of these are indication of rosemary’s calming effects.
In addition, researcher measured brain waves before and after inhaling rosemary. Brain waves were stimulated after inhalation, increasing bran activity and improving mood.
The results of this study indicate that rosemary not only calms you, it improves brain function, thus leading to a noticeable improvement in mental clarity.
How Do I Use Rosemary Essential Oil?
When used to improve mental clarity, rosemary is most effective when you inhale it. In general, rosemary has such a strong aroma that, no matter how you use it, you will be able to take advantage of its aromatherapy properties. You can use rosemary essential oil in a variety of ways:
- Add three drops to your bathwater. This is best if you have some time to relax in the morning, or if you have a big race ahead of you.
- Add to an oil diffuser. This is one of the most common ways to take advantage of essential oil properties in general. They can be purchased relatively cheaply, and it will get your whole house smelling delicious. If you have a place in your house where you exercise, placing the diffuser here can help you make the best out of your workout.
- Add two drops to your shampoo. If you have a full day ahead, or didn’t get quite enough sleep the night before, this is a great way to integrate rosemary into your morning routine without having to add another step.
- Mix with another oil and use topically. Pure essential oil is very strong and can cause irritation, so it is best if you mix it with coconut oil, or olive oil, and then use it as a moisturizer or massage oil.
Conclusion
Integrating rosemary oil into your morning routine may not only improve your mental clarity when you exercise, it may also improve your effectiveness at work, and reduce stress.
