Aromatherapy: The Mood-Boosting Workout Enhancer
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to produce the desired effect, and it can be used to improve your focus, energy, and mood during a workout.
What is aromatherapy and how does it work?
Aromatherapy is an age-old practice that uses essential oils to produce the desired effect. And while it's typically associated with relaxation and stress relief, aromatherapy can also be used to improve your focus, energy, and mood during a workout. Studies have shown that the use of aromatherapy can help improve performance and reduce fatigue.
So how does it work? Aromatherapy stimulates the olfactory system, which is the part of the brain responsible for our sense of smell. When we inhale an essential oil, the molecules travel through the nose and into the lungs where they are then absorbed into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body.
The benefits of aromatherapy for workouts
You can use aromatherapy in a variety of ways to improve your workout experience. Here are a few of the most common benefits:
● Improve focus and concentration
● Boost energy levels
● Enhance mood and motivation
● Reduce fatigue and tension
● Promote recovery
According to the National Library of Medicine, the effects of aromatherapy on exercisers were more positive than those of those who did not receive any treatment. It induced positive feelings during exercise, reduced fatigue, and improved participants' feelings during recovery. Aroma has a significant impact on exercisers' feelings, and it can improve exercise satisfaction and persistence.
How to use aromatherapy to improve your workout experience
You can use aromatherapy to improve your workouts in a few different ways. The most popular method is to add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser and inhale the scent before or during your workout. You can also apply essential oils topically by diluting them with a carrier oil and applying them to your skin. Lastly, you can add essential oils to your bathwater for a post-workout relaxation.
The best essential oils for aromatherapy during a workout
Not all essential oils are created equal. When choosing the best essential oils for aromatherapy during a workout, look for oils that are high in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. These compounds are known for their stimulating and invigorating effects.
Some of the best essential oils for workouts include:
● Peppermint oil - Peppermint reduces the perception of effort, boosts energy, and improves performance. It also provides relief to aching muscles and enhances mental clarity post-workout.
● Verbena oil - A 2018 study conducted by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition showed how verbena extract minimizes muscle damage and hastens the recovery of athletes. Verbena contains as much as 40% myrcene terps, which is responsible for verbena essential oils' calming and antidepressant properties.
● Rosemary oil - Rosemary oil reduces stress and nervous tension, stimulates mental activity, relieves fatigue, and supports respiratory function.
● Lemongrass oil - Lemongrass stimulates the senses and can provide you with the energy boost you need to get from couch to class.
● Bergamot oil - This essential oil can help reduce pain by dulling nerve sensitivity when applied topically to the skin.
If you're new to aromatherapy, start with a pre-made blend from your local health food store. Once you've gotten the hang of it, you can start experimenting with your own homemade blends. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
● The Motivator: 3 drops rosemary oil, 2 drops lemongrass oil and 1 drop grapefruit oil
● The Energizer: 3 drops basil oil, 2 drops peppermint oil and 1 drop rosemary oil
● The Relaxer: 3 drops lavender oil, 2 drops chamomile oil and 1 drop ylang ylang oil
How to Use Aromatherapy to Get the Most Out of Your Workouts
Aromatherapy is a simple and effective way to improve your workouts. By choosing the right essential oils and using them correctly, you can enjoy all of the benefits of aromatherapy. So start diffusing and blending today!