There are many benefits essential oils provide during and after your yoga practice. It is always a pleasure to soak in distinct aromas while doing yoga which creates an atmosphere of calm and centeredness. As you go through the different phases of yoga, essential oils promote positive feelings of wellness, balance, and focus, hindering feelings of anxiousness and negative vibes. I find they really help me on all levels and know they will for you as well.
Don’t forget to breathe!
As with any exercise, it is important to breathe properly & deeply. Breathing clears airways and improves mental focus as well. Diffusing a combination of your favorite essential oils can help calm the body, as it increases oxygen supply to the blood, keep the lungs healthy, release muscular tension, while setting the mood to prepare you for deeper meditation.
There is what is called “mindful breathing” that can do wonders for your brain. Yoga and mindful breathing benefits the brain as much as the body by reducing stress levels and hormones that cause anxiety. With 25 minutes of yoga, studies have confirmed that yoga can improve brain function and boost energy levels.
Here’s where essential oils come to play. Enhance your yoga sessions with some essential oils that you can use either topically or aromatically. Whichever way, they are sure to benefit your well-being:
Apply oils topically or diffuse to promote focus:
Basil, Douglas Fir, Frankincense, Spearmint
Apply oils to the chest to promote feelings of clear breathing:
Cardamom, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Peppermint
Apply oils to the temples to help relax and reduce stress:
Frankincense, Lavender, Sandalwood, Spikenard
Diffuse calming oils for a soothing practice:
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Lavender, Petitgrain, Ylang Ylang
Diffuse energizing oils for an invigorating practice:
Cypress, Lime, Peppermint, Wild Orange
Before you get too excited to try out all these oils together at once, it is best to select what will work for you at the moment in order not to overload or confuse the senses. If you already have a unique blend that works for you, that would be most suitable to enjoy for the rest of your yoga session.
DIy Yoga Mat Spray
After yoga, your mat can be a home for bacteria and germs if not cleaned properly. Hence, it is important to clean your yoga mat after each use. Instead of buying commercial sprays, try making your own with these simple instructions:
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled water
1/4 cup Witch Hazel (without alcohol) White vinegar can be a substitute.
15 drops Melaleuca (Tea Tree) essential oil
10 drops of another essential oil of choice. Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Lemongrass essential oils also contain antibacterial properties.
Spray bottle. Glass is preferred, since some essential oils can start to degrade plastic if left for too long.
Instructions:
Mix together all of the above ingredients and pour into a spray bottle of choice (any extra can be stored.)
Place the top on the spray bottle and shake to combine the ingredients.
Shake the bottle before each use.
Spray liberally on your yoga mat immediately after you finish your practice and wipe dry with a clean cloth or towel. Repeat on the other side of the mat.
Hang mat to dry.
I would love to share with you how these amazing oils can enhance your yoga and meditation time.
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If you have any questions please contact me, I’m always here to support you!
ABOUT RENAI STUPART
Renai is a holistic lifestyle coach, mama of 2, business & self-empowerment facilitator & entrepreneur. She passionately advocates a healthy lifestyle with decades of experience within business and the wellness industry through strategies that make it easy, simple and quick for one to grow their full potential. This she continuously shares with everyone journeying along the path to soulful wellness!