Writers are often seeking new ways to empower their creativity and maintain their focus as they work on their stories. This might have them testing out new routines, listening to music as they write, or finding little ways to make their writing space a little more cozy.
For some, this can include a bit of aromatherapy. The well-known practice of using aromatic essential oils for mental and physical well-being has been around for thousands of years, though the term itself would not come into our vocabulary until the 1930s.
Today, you might find a range of products including bottled essential oils and diffusers to candles and wax melts to incense.
Aromatherapy can enhance the ambiance of your space and help you find the right headspace for writing. In this post, we'll discuss aromatherapy for writers, how to incorporate it into your writing routine, and a few noteworthy scents.
As a quick disclaimer, I am not an expert in aromatherapy. The information here is general knowledge. If you have any health-related questions, please consult a licensed medical professional.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants to enhance physical and emotional well-being through their scent.
In some cases, the oil might be applied to one's skin, but it can also be diffused, allowing the fragrance to waft throughout the room. Essential oils are also common ingredients in scented candles and incense.
Depending on the scent, aromatherapy can evoke or regulate different feelings, help create a calm and soothing space, or aid in your focus.
Aromatherapy For Writers - Scents With Intentions
When we think of aromatherapy, yoga studios or spas might come to mind, but it might also be worth bringing into your writing space.
Aromatherapy can offer a wide range of uses for writers. Your chosen fragrance can help create your ideal workspace or help get you into a good mindset to concentrate on your story.
Not sure where to start? I may have a few suggestions...
Lavender — one of the most popular scents in aromatherapy, lavender is often a bedtime favorite because it instills a sense of tranquility. For writers, it can help reduce anxiety and stress, creating a peaceful writing environment.
Lemon — fresh and rejuvenating, lemon is known to brighten your mood and boost mental clarity, which can be helpful for brainstorming sessions and first drafts; lemon and other citruses can be particularly nice during the summer.
Rosemary — known to enhance cognitive function, rosemary can be helpful for detail-oriented tasks like editing your writing.
Peppermint — as one of the more invigorating scents, peppermint can increase alertness and concentration, which can in turn aid in your ability to concentrate; it can also add an air of festive coziness to your space during the winter holidays if that's your vibe!
Eucalyptus — another fragrance known for improved mental clarity, eucalyptus can be great for the days you're struggling to stay focused.
Jasmine — a known confidence booster, jasmine can come in clutch when you're faced with impostor syndrome. Its floral aroma can also inspire your creativity to blossom.
Sandalwood — the calming effect of sandalwood's warm and woody scent can make your space feel a touch cozier, furthered by its grounding and calming effects. Sandalwood can be particularly useful when you need to ground yourself and get into the thick of your writing.
And though this is not a strictly aromatherapy-related thing, it's worth mentioning: I also love finding scents that remind me of the story I'm working on. This might be what I imagine the setting smells like or something that makes me think of a particular character, or maybe even one that just captures the vibe I want to set for the scene.
In my own writing corner, I favor florals and woody fragrances, or scents that were popular in the Regency Era like jasmine and orange blossom. A Tided Love specifically has me stocking up on bakery-inspired scents thanks to Caroline's love of baking, as well as sea salt and similar in honor of the story's seaside resort town setting. Bound to the Heart on the other hand has me pulling out the bayberry candle or anything that feels like Zach's bookshop.
And I may have a dozen or so Bridgerton Study Wallflower refills from Bath & Bodyworks. Can you blame me? Of course I want my writing space smelling like a Regency Era study!
How To Incorporate Aromatherapy Into Your Writing Space
Aromatherapy can be versatile for writers, and there are several ways it can be incorporated into your writing space.
Scented candles add a touch of ambiance with the gentle flicker of their flames. For a flameless option, consider placing wax melts in a warmer (some models are designed to melt candles without lighting them).
Placing an oil diffuser on your desk or on a shelf allows you to maintain a consistent scent throughout the air of your writing space. Selecting an essential oil that pairs with your goals for your next writing session can get things off to a good start.
I'm also a fan of using incense during my writing sessions. It can be an inexpensive option for writers on a budget.
Diluted essential oils can also be applied topically, with care. Some writers might apply drops directly to their skin at pulse points like the wrist or use a roll-on applicator. Similarly, you may choose to use a scented lotion or hand cream.
Aromatherapy jewelry like pendants and bracelets can also be great options; these pendants often come with pieces of felt or similar fabric that you can apply drops of your chosen oil to, whereas the bracelets are often made of this material. These can be great for writers on the go, allowing you to take your aromatherapy with you between writing spots.
One Last Note — please do not ingest essential oils and do be mindful of topical applications. If you think you are experiencing an allergic reaction, stop using the aromatherapy product immediately and seek the advice of a medical professional.
Writing can be stressful. Contrary to popular belief, it's not easy to create stories from scratch. Having ways to help lessen this stress can be vital for your productivity and overall contentment.
Additionally, some find it worthwhile to make their space personalized and cozy, whether you have an entire room dedicated to your writing or are stationed at the kitchen table after dinner.
Aromatherapy is an accessible option with plenty of versatility, allowing you to experiment and see which fragrances suit you best. Whether you want to set the mood, bring an air of tranquility into your writing routine, or need just a little help concentrating, a carefully chosen fragrance can be surprisingly effective.
Have you incorporated aromatherapy into your writing? What are your favorite scents? Let me know in the comments below!
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