Better than a Breath of Fresh Air

When school and life seem to be passing you by, it can feel like you don’t even have enough time to catch your breath. It’s too easy to keep your head down and keep working because it’s what you have to do. In what world does that make sense? To present your best self,and let alone your best work you have to do something for yourself.

Self-care can sometimes feel like another thing to add to the to-do list. It would be ideal if bingeing a show and drinking a Diet Coke was self-care, but alas it is not. Instead of adding something to your list, consider self-care that can be incorporated into your day-to-day life.

Aromatherapy might be for you. Lighting incense before you go to bed, burning a candle while reading, or a little spritz of essential oils before you start the day can all help relieve some stressors.

Aromatherapy is closely tied to essential oils, but it is more generally known as a practice of using particular scents to encourage relaxation – something we could all use a little more of. Without going all Scientific American, aromatherapy is based on the principle that scent molecules travel to the part of the brain responsible for emotions. The Johns Hopkins Medicine article, “Aromatherapy: Do Essential Oils Really Work?” found that the connection between the brain’s emotional processing center and scents, aromatherapy can reduce agitation, anxiety, and stress.

College students everywhere can benefit from a little aromatherapy, but students in Eugene are particularly lucky because they have access to several unique scents from local shops.

Candles bring a special warmth to any room; wood-wick candles especially, because they create a fireplace wherever you are. The aesthetic values of wood-wick candles pale in comparison to their health benefits. In conjunction with clean soy wax, woodwick candles do not emit any soot. If this type of candle sounds intriguing, check out Mister Ok’s Essentials.

Mister Ok’s Essentials is Portland-based company that specializes in curating experiences through scents. Known for their candles, Mister Ok’s also makes room sprays, body balms, and soap. All of these products are made to be clean and give the user a memorable vibe. The Woodlawn candle creates a cozy environment with hints of amber, cloves, cedar, and cinnamon. All products are available online, but if you find yourself in Portland, check out their brick-and-mortar in the Alberta neighborhood.

Incense has been used for centuries. If you’re not familiar with this fragrance emitter, it is quite simple. When incense sticks are burned they release a cloud of fragrant smoke. It’s made from essential oils and aromatic plants like frankincense and myrrh trees. Traditional scents include sandalwood, citronella, and other floral scents.

Incense can be found at several of Eugene’s crystal and metaphysical shops. An expert shop that carries high-quality incense sticks and holders is Down to Earth Home, Garden, & Gift. With a wide assortment of scents, it is easy to find one that speaks to you. Scents that are best for relaxation and focus are lavender, rose, vanilla, and jasmine. If you are looking for a sleeker incense holder, Down to Earth also carries steel holders. Steel holders can be easier to clean and their minimalist style can work in almost any space.

Essential oils are the most closely associated with aromatherapy. Essential oils often come in very small bottles, and for good reason. The oils are highly concentrated extracts from herbs, flowers, and other plant matter. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser or diluted and applied directly to your skin.

At Mountain Rose Herbs Mercantile there is a whole wall dedicated to essential oils. All of these oils meet high sourcing standards. Not only are the essential oils certified organic or pesticide-free, sustainably harvested, and proven safe through laboratory analysis; but all products at Mountain Rose Herbs meet the same high standards. With a wide range of scents, sizes, and prices the mercantile will have what you are looking for. If you are looking for any other aromatherapy accouterment this will be the place to go.

Sit back, relax, and inhale. Let the scents do their thing and let yourself relax because you deserve it.