Using aromatherapy to help with your gym workout may not have occurred to you before. But when you consider the fact that aromatherapy can help with your mood and mindset, it begins to make more sense. In fact, essential oils are a great tool that can be used to help you feel more empowered to get the most out of your workout. That can only be a good thing surely.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is really just the use of essential oils, whether you like to burn, inhale or apply them. It can have a more powerful effect on your mind and body than a smell that you whiff in the air, or even your own perfume. 

The reason for this is that essential oils make us feel different and as a result, they’re used for therapeutic benefit.  Studies have shown that aromatherapy may have a beneficial effect on anxiety, stress, depression, concentration, energy levels, pain, and sleep amongst other things. 

So, what are essential oils? It may surprise you to hear that rather than being made by scientists or created from synthetic chemicals, they come from organic compounds that capture fragrance and are derived from natural plant sources. Parts of a plant, including its bark, roots, petals, and leaves are distilled, resulting in a highly concentrated oil. It’s this higher than usual concentration that makes them so effective, meaning that they can have a very rapid and significant effect on the mind and body.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

When we inhale an essential oil, it stimulates tiny smell receptors within our nose which at once send messages via the nervous system to a part of the brain named the limbic system. For good reason, the limbic system is also known as the brain’s emotional centre because it’s involved with our mood and emotions as well as the formation of memories. 

The premise of aromatherapy is that highly concentrated scents cause us to feel certain emotions which in turn, produces a physical reaction. One of the most well-known essential oils, Lavender, is used by millions of people to aid sleep and when they smell it, their muscles relax, breathing gets slower and deeper, the mind switches off and they begin to feel sleepier. That’s the power of aromatherapy. 

Aromatherapy Before the Gym

So, this is all well and good, you may be thinking, but how on earth does this help me at the gym?

It’s a good question of course, which we’ll answer for you. It’s crucial to be in the right frame of mind, before you begin any workout, isn’t it?  After all, you know what it’s like when you feel sluggish, tired, and uninspired. It’s unbelievably hard work, isn’t it?

Now imagine being able to transition from that mindset into one where you feel alert, energised, and totally focused. How much better would your workout be? 

The great news is that aromatherapy offers an easy and importantly, rapid solution. All you need to do is apply the ultra- convenient and highly portable Scentered Focus Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Balm to your wrists, neck and temples and inhale its scent slowly and deeply three times before you begin. 

This invigorating blend of Rosemary, Mint and Clary Sage is better than coffee when it comes to increasing alertness, banishing mental fatigue, and improving focus and concentration. It’s great for clearing the mind when you need to conduct a goal or task, making it the perfect aid to help you meet your exercise goals and enhance performance. 

Aromatherapy After the Gym 

Aromatherapy can be used after the gym too, especially if you’re still feeling pumped up and it’s difficult to wind down. Try Scentered De Stress Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Balm, a potent mix of Chamomile, Neroli and Mandarin that promotes a calm mind, soothes tension, and helps you to feel in control of your day. 

Alternatively, Scentered Escape Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Balm is ideal for resetting your mind from being hard-wired and meeting goals at the gym to unwinding with some ‘me time’. It’s especially great if you’re planning a spot of meditation, yoga or even just quiet time having a bath or reading a book. 

Believe us when we say that this evocative blend of Oud, Sandalwood and Frankincense is second to none at transporting you to your happy place whilst also strengthening the mind. 

We would love to hear about your mental wellness journey. You can also keep in touch via our Instagram @iamscentered or sign up to our newsletter for updates, news and offers.