5 Essential Oils That Are Highly Beneficial to Your Brain

It's well-known that a healthy lifestyle plays a very important role in brain health. However, at the same time, essential oils are also very beneficial for brain power. 

 

Herbal practitioners, as well as modern medicine, have acknowledged the benefits different essential oils give to the brain. These oils can help with different cognitive problems such as mental fatigue, low clarity, poor intellectual performance, impaired concentration, poor memory recall, and impaired memory, to name but a few. 

 

These oils are mostly used in aromatherapy. The reason for this is because smell is the strongest of our senses and is best able to influence brain activity. However, before learning how essential oils can be used to boost your brain power, it's important to know which essential oils are the best for this purpose. 

 

Therefore, below you can find the best essential oils for brain health. 

 

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil has calming and relaxing properties that will help put your nervous system in a parasympathetic rest-and-digest state. This soothing effect helps to relieve nervous tension and depression. To add to this, it also gives a boost to cognitive abilities. 

 

Research has found that those who are exposed to the smell of lavender essential oil are more relaxed and less depressed, and are able to perform math computations faster and more accurately.

2. Rosemary Essential Oil 

This essential oil works as an effective cognitive stimulant, thus helping to improve memory and mental focus. A major component of rosemary essential oil is 1,9-Cineole, which has been shown to boost memory. Furthermore, the smell of essential oil may help enhance prospective memory, which is the ability to remember upcoming events in order to complete future tasks. 

 

It's also very good at increasing brain-wave activities and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. 

 

3. Lemon Essential Oil 

This strong smelling essential oil is highly beneficial for brain health. The strong scent helps to promote concentration and helps to calm your mind when you're feeling anxious, angry, or run down. It can even help to reduce stress. Furthermore, this essential oil inhibits enzymes that are linked to neurodegenerative conditions.

4. Peppermint Essential Oil

 

Peppermint essential oil stimulates the mind to support memory, concentration, focus, and mental performance. To add to this, it has a soothing and cooling effect that promotes relaxation and clear thinking. The scent of this essential oil also stimulates the areas of the brain that are responsible for alertness. 

 

5. Cinnamon Essential Oil 

Cinnamon essential oil can help to fight mental fatigue and improve brain function related to working memory, visual motor speed, virtual recognition memory, and attention. Furthermore, it helps to break up any brain plaque and reduce any inflammation that could eventually lead to memory issues. At the same time, it is very effective at preventing/delaying the symptoms of Alzheimer's. 

 

 How to Use the Aforementioned Essential Oils to Improve Brain Health 

 

There are many different ways in which you can use the powerful aroma of these essential oils to improve brain power and boost your mental health. The six best methods can be found below. 

 

1. Handkerchief Method 

This is the simplest method. You just need to place 2-3 drops of the essential oil of your choice onto a handkerchief and sniff it occasionally. You can also place the handkerchief near your pillow before going to sleep. This way you can enjoy the benefits of the essential oil even when you're sleeping. 

 

2. Pot and Water Method 

Another method you can use is the pot and water method. Simply: 1. Place some water in a small pot. 2. Add 6-7 drops of your preferred essential oil. 3. Allow the water to boil. 4. Turn down the heat and keep the pot on the burner for a couple of minutes to allow the essential oil to evaporate into the air.

3. Aromatherapy Bath/Massage

For an aromatherapy bath: 

1. Mix 3 drops of your preferred essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil). 

2. Add this oil blend to a bathtub filled with water and mix thoroughly using your hand. 

3. Enjoy this relaxing bath for 15-20 minutes, a couple of times a week. 

 

For an aromatherapy massage: 

1. Place 2 tablespoons of carrier oil like sweet almond oil into a bowl. 

2. Mix 10-12 drops of your preferred essential oil to the bowl. 

 3. Massage your forehead, temples, and/or back of the neck with this solution. 

4. Do this a few times per week. 

 Note: Don't get any of the oil into your eyes. 

 

 

4. Homemade Solid Perfume Method  

You can improve your mental power by blending some essential oils into solid perfumes. You can use a mixture of different essential oils or choose just the one depending on your preference. Method: 

1. Open a container of any commercial solid perfume or homemade solid perfume. 

2. Put a few drops of essential oil on the top of it. 

3. Close the lid properly. 

4. Whenever you require it, just dab a small bit of the perfume on your temples. 

 

 

5. Mister Method

You can also get the benefits of aromatherapy by creating a mister. Method: 

1. Add 1-6 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. 

2. Give it a good shake and spray the oil-infused water in and around your surroundings. 

3. Use it when needed and change frequently.

6. Candle Diffuser Method 

Before using this method, you must buy a candle diffuser. These are readily available on the market - you can try any shop that sells essential oils. Method: 

1. Put water on the top bowl of the candle diffuser and then add a few drops of essential oil to it. 

2. Light a tea light underneath so that the heat evaporates the essential oil into the air around you. 

 

Note: Essential oils can be flammable, so be careful when using this method.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Understanding Mindful Walking Practice & Its Many Benefits

With stress, fear, and anxiety reaching an all-time high because of the ongoing pandemic situation, various mental health professionals have suggested practicing mediation as one of the ways to cope with your emotions. However, seated meditation isn’t convenient for everyone; especially those who are constantly on the move. For such people, the process of mindful walking would be more useful.

Mindful walking, also known as walking meditation, provides you with the physical benefits of walking (such as a healthier heart and calorie burning), along with active meditation, and mindfulness.

 

 What is mindful walking?  

Walking meditation originates from Buddhist teachings and it has been used as a technique for mindful meditation for years.

Mindful walking is a simple and comfortable form of meditation that can be particularly useful for those who struggle to perform general meditation and for those who don’t like sitting in one place quietly. Walking meditation basically means walking while being mindful of each of your steps and breath. For many people, this works better rather than practicing meditation while sitting with their eyes closed. 

 

The best thing about walking meditation is that it can be done indoors or outside in nature – in your garden, hallway, terrace, your balcony, a large room, the nearby park, or even the beach. The lane you choose to walk on doesn’t need to be too long as you are not focused on reaching a specific destination through this approach.

To practice mindful walking, first, take slow 10-15 steps along the lane you’ve chosen. Then, pause and breathe for as long as you feel comfortable. Once you feel ready, you have to turn and walk back in the opposite direction – the other end of the lane. When you reach the other end, pause and breathe again. Keep repeating this method for at least 15 minutes. Remember, when you are walking you must focus your attention on one or more sensations that you would generally ignore, like the movement of your hands and legs and the breath coming in and out of your body. Then, you can divert your attention away from your body to what is around you. It may be the simplest thing like the temperature of the wind, the smell of the air, or the feeling of the ground under your feet. Acknowledge each experience and savor it without engaging with it too much. Take in everything in front of you with your eyes and your mind until you start feeling relaxed. 

 

Walking meditation is a slow process and involves taking small steps. Thus, you shouldn’t walk too briskly. The most essential part here is to feel natural with your walking and not to make it exaggerated or stylized. 

 

By integrating walking meditation into your daily life, you can turn an everyday action into a tool for mindfulness and stress reduction. It is an acquired taste that requires plenty of patience and won’t come easily. But if you keep practicing it, even for short intervals in a day, you will slowly get used to it. Furthermore, mindful breathing or walking meditation can lead to various benefits. Here is a look at a few of them.

 

Benefits of mindful walking 

1. It helps you connect more profoundly with the environment

Mindful walking meditation allows you to be completely involved in the experience of walking. Through this approach, you will be able to connect with the earth beneath your feet, the air you are breathing in and out and the myriad sights and sounds around you at a deeper level. You will also feel more connected with the environment and sense you are an integral part of it. As you continue making walking meditation a part of your daily life, you will gradually realize that you are nurturing situational awareness from within. Rather than simply walking aimlessly, you will be able to develop your focus to be on your surroundings and on the experience of walking. 

 

2. It enables you to reach a sense of calm and being relaxed 

While walking is obviously helpful some can get bored with it after a while. Mindful walking, however, allows you to enjoy the pleasure of walking. If done properly, you can increase your oxygen intake by walking meditation while also reinvigorating yourself when you are down. 

 

While walking, you can chant “OM” or use some other positive phrases like "I am happy" or "I'm healthy" in short intervals. This may feel awkward initially for those who are doing it for the first time. But once you begin walking meditation every day, and follow the above-mentioned steps, you feel a sense of relaxation and calm from within. Once you are done with the exercise, you will realize you are fresh and more upbeat. 

 

3. You will understand your body better

A lot of us today are so involved with our day-to-day affairs that we have become alienated from our own bodies. Walking mindfully helps us stay connected with our physical selves and allows us to nurture a deeper connection between our mind and body. You will have a greater awareness and understanding of how you carry yourself as you walk. Furthermore, you will realize that your balance, stride, and posture express their own unique stories in the manner you walk. With this information, you will understand your body better and appreciate it more.

4. It bolsters concentration

One of the toughest things to achieve through meditation is to get rid of all distractions. With seated meditation, distractions are lesser as it is generally practiced in a quiet surrounding. However, mindful walking doesn’t have that luxury as you are likely to be in an environment filled with constant distractions. The sounds of traffic, people walking close by, the weather, birds, insects, and animals will all be posing a challenge to your mindful walking. Focusing on your regular thoughts and avoiding all the external distractions won’t be easy. However, once you get the hang of it, you will have greater control over your concentration. 

 

As you are hit with each distraction, you will force them away, bring yourself to the present moment, and shift your focus to your walking. Once this process is repeated several times, over and over, your mind’s ability to stay focused will be bolstered. The more you incorporate this approach into your regular routine, the more you will end up building your mental muscles. Gradually, over time, you will realize that your attention is better and you can be in the present moment much quicker despite the distractions. 

 

5. It widens everyday mindfulness 

While walking meditation may sound easy on paper, it is a tough skill to acquire. With continual practice, it will soon become a part of your being. Once that happens, you will find that mindfulness becomes integrated into other areas of your life as well and will permeate them with greater awareness. Remember that meditation walk can be performed anywhere and at any time of the day. Practicing it routinely will make it easier for mindfulness to become a part of everything you do. 

 

6. It helps you to slow down

One of the biggest benefits of mindful walking is that it enables you to pause and slow down. With this technique, you will be moving mindfully and with purpose. To achieve meditation walking, you will have to focus on your movements and each step must be taken with great awareness. In time, your movements will become more measured and graceful. You will soon realize that not everything is a race and you shouldn’t be in this constant hurry to reach your destination. Mindful walking is about being in the present moment; your breath, the environment, and each step you take are what require the most attention. Take your time and relish the prospect of not having the goal to reach any destination. You don’t need to move fast. All you need is to feel deeply about your present. 

 

7. It allows you to achieve the purpose of meditation

As mentioned earlier, mindful walking works perfectly for those who aren’t comfortable with seated meditation. This technique helps you to achieve the purpose of meditation while walking in a park, a beach, or even on the street. When you start this process, your goal must be walking for the sole purpose of meditation. Initially, your mind will inevitably wander. And that is perfectly okay. You cannot be frustrated as mindful walking requires dedication. Be aware of all the physical sensations or feelings and focus on them. Your understanding of your intentions will increase eventually as each walk will begin with a focused intention. Also, your ability to stay connected with the present moment will become better when you practice walking with clarity. Through conscious movement, one step at a time, you can slowly achieve the true benefits of meditation and make it a conscious part of your life.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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Understanding Mindful Walking Practice & Its Many Benefits

With stress, fear, and anxiety reaching an all-time high because of the ongoing pandemic situation, various mental health professionals have suggested practicing mediation as one of the ways to cope with your emotions. However, seated meditation isn’t convenient for everyone; especially those who are constantly on the move. For such people, the process of mindful walking would be more useful.
Mindful walking, also known as walking meditation, provides you with the physical benefits of walking (such as a healthier heart and calorie burning), along with active meditation, and mindfulness.

What is mindful walking?

Walking meditation originates from Buddhist teachings and it has been used as a technique for mindful meditation for years.
Mindful walking is a simple and comfortable form of meditation that can be particularly useful for those who struggle to perform general meditation and for those who don’t like sitting in one place quietly. Walking meditation basically means walking while being mindful of each of your steps and breath. For many people, this works better rather than practicing meditation while sitting with their eyes closed.
The best thing about walking meditation is that it can be done indoors or outside in nature – in your garden, hallway, terrace, your balcony, a large room, the nearby park, or even the beach. The lane you choose to walk on doesn’t need to be too long as you are not focused on reaching a specific destination through this approach.
To practice mindful walking, first, take slow 10-15 steps along the lane you’ve chosen. Then, pause and breathe for as long as you feel comfortable. Once you feel ready, you have to turn and walk back in the opposite direction – the other end of the lane. When you reach the other end, pause and breathe again. Keep repeating this method for at least 15 minutes. Remember, when you are walking you must focus your attention on one or more sensations that you would generally ignore, like the movement of your hands and legs and the breath coming in and out of your body. Then, you can divert your attention away from your body to what is around you. It may be the simplest thing like the temperature of the wind, the smell of the air, or the feeling of the ground under your feet. Acknowledge each experience and savor it without engaging with it too much. Take in everything in front of you with your eyes and your mind until you start feeling relaxed.

Walking meditation is a slow process and involves taking small steps. Thus, you shouldn’t walk too briskly. The most essential part here is to feel natural with your walking and not to make it exaggerated or stylized. 
By integrating walking meditation into your daily life, you can turn an everyday action into a tool for mindfulness and stress reduction. It is an acquired taste that requires plenty of patience and won’t come easily. But if you keep practicing it, even for short intervals in a day, you will slowly get used to it. Furthermore, mindful breathing or walking meditation can lead to various benefits. Here is a look at a few of them.

Benefits of mindful walking

1. It helps you connect more profoundly with the environment 

Mindful walking meditation allows you to be completely involved in the experience of walking. Through this approach, you will be able to connect with the earth beneath your feet, the air you are breathing in and out and the myriad sights and sounds around you at a deeper level. You will also feel more connected with the environment and sense you are an integral part of it. As you continue making walking meditation a part of your daily life, you will gradually realize that you are nurturing situational awareness from within. Rather than simply walking aimlessly, you will be able to develop your focus to be on your surroundings and on the experience of walking.

2. It enables you to reach a sense of calm and being relaxed 

While walking is obviously helpful some can get bored with it after a while. Mindful walking, however, allows you to enjoy the pleasure of walking. If done properly, you can increase your oxygen intake by walking meditation while also reinvigorating yourself when you are down.
While walking, you can chant “OM” or use some other positive phrases like "I am happy" or "I'm healthy" in short intervals. This may feel awkward initially for those who are doing it for the first time. But once you begin walking meditation every day, and follow the above-mentioned steps, you feel a sense of relaxation and calm from within. Once you are done with the exercise, you will realize you are fresh and more upbeat.

3. You will understand your body better

A lot of us today are so involved with our day-to-day affairs that we have become alienated from our own bodies. Walking mindfully helps us stay connected with our physical selves and allows us to nurture a deeper connection between our mind and body. You will have a greater awareness and understanding of how you carry yourself as you walk. Furthermore, you will realize that your balance, stride, and posture express their own unique stories in the manner you walk. With this information, you will understand your body better and appreciate it more.

4. It bolsters concentration

One of the toughest things to achieve through meditation is to get rid of all distractions. With seated meditation, distractions are lesser as it is generally practiced in a quiet surrounding. However, mindful walking doesn’t have that luxury as you are likely to be in an environment filled with constant distractions. The sounds of traffic, people walking close by, the weather, birds, insects, and animals will all be posing a challenge to your mindful walking. Focusing on your regular thoughts and avoiding all the external distractions won’t be easy. However, once you get the hang of it, you will have greater control over your concentration. 
As you are hit with each distraction, you will force them away, bring yourself to the present moment, and shift your focus to your walking. Once this process is repeated several times, over and over, your mind’s ability to stay focused will be bolstered. The more you incorporate this approach into your regular routine, the more you will end up building your mental muscles. Gradually, over time, you will realize that your attention is better and you can be in the present moment much quicker despite the distractions.

5. It widens everyday mindfulness 

While walking meditation may sound easy on paper, it is a tough skill to acquire. With continual practice, it will soon become a part of your being. Once that happens, you will find that mindfulness becomes integrated into other areas of your life as well and will permeate them with greater awareness. Remember that meditation walk can be performed anywhere and at any time of the day. Practicing it routinely will make it easier for mindfulness to become a part of everything you do.

6. It helps you to slow down

One of the biggest benefits of mindful walking is that it enables you to pause and slow down. With this technique, you will be moving mindfully and with purpose. To achieve meditation walking, you will have to focus on your movements and each step must be taken with great awareness. In time, your movements will become more measured and graceful. You will soon realize that not everything is a race and you shouldn’t be in this constant hurry to reach your destination. Mindful walking is about being in the present moment; your breath, the environment, and each step you take are what require the most attention. Take your time and relish the prospect of not having the goal to reach any destination. You don’t need to move fast. All you need is to feel deeply about your present.

7. It allows you to achieve the purpose of meditation

As mentioned earlier, mindful walking works perfectly for those who aren’t comfortable with seated meditation. This technique helps you to achieve the purpose of meditation while walking in a park, a beach, or even on the street. When you start this process, your goal must be walking for the sole purpose of meditation. Initially, your mind will inevitably wander. And that is perfectly okay. You cannot be frustrated as mindful walking requires dedication. Be aware of all the physical sensations or feelings and focus on them. Your understanding of your intentions will increase eventually as each walk will begin with a focused intention. Also, your ability to stay connected with the present moment will become better when you practice walking with clarity. Through conscious movement, one step at a time, you can slowly achieve the true benefits of meditation and make it a conscious part of your life

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.     

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement