New Year Refresh with Aromatherapy

The environment around us holds energy—sometimes uplifting, sometimes draining. Whether we’re aware of it or not, the spaces we spend time in influence how we feel, think, and function. That’s why it makes sense to intentionally curate environments that support our well-being rather than work against it.

A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Psychology by Fu, Yang, et al. (November 25) reviewed 40 different studies and found consistent positive benefits associated with calm, supportive environments. These findings reinforce what many of us intuitively feel: when our surroundings are soothing, our nervous system responds in kind.

Renewing yourself—through practices such as self-care, personal growth, and self-compassion—plays a significant role in mental well-being. These practices help prevent burnout, build resilience, and support a more positive, purposeful life.

Scent is unique among our senses because it has a direct pathway to the brain’s limbic system, the area responsible for emotion, memory, and behaviour. Essential oils and natural aromas interact with this system almost immediately, making scent a powerful tool for shaping how we experience our surroundings.

During periods of fight-or-flight, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which affect nearly every system in the body. While this response is essential for survival, chronic activation can take a toll on both physical and emotional health. Essential oils can play a supportive role here because they directly influence the limbic system and, in turn, the hypothalamus—a key regulator of the nervous system.

Frankincense (Boswellia Carterii) is known to help to alleviate and eliminating low moods, Frankincense is known as the “Oil of Truth”, revealing deceptiveness and false truths. It invites the individual to let go of lower vibrations, insults, and negativity. This oil helps create new perspectives based on integrity and enlightenment. Mojay recommends Frankincense to help cease mental chatter and for stilling the mind.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Essential Oil has earned the nickname “The Oil of Empowerment” for the feeling of confidence that it is known to inspire. Used in aromatherapy applications, Ginger Essential Oil is stimulating and warming. It can enhance concentration and it can soothe and reduce feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety, lethargy, agitation, dizziness, and fatigue. Ginger is good for blood flow hence the warm feeling.

Lemon essential oil is a decongestant and can be used in a blend to boost the lymphatic system if it is sluggish and the immune system is poor. It is an antiviral oil and can be diffused to kill airborne viruses. A Japanese study found that diffusing lemon oil could improve concentration and focus and Mojay states that Lemon ‘rescues a mind bogged down by burdens decisions and obstacles’.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a sesquiterpene rich oil so balancing both emotionally and energetically. The anti-inflammatory properties are both physical and emotional. Warner states that yarrow helps heal our soul wounds specifically the raw areas of our psyche. Yarrow is known to be protective and strengthen the aura making it excellent for emotional and highly sensitive people as well as empaths. The oil helps guard against absorbing others energy especially when giving them healing or caring for them.

Aromatherapy isn’t just about pleasant smells—it’s about creating an environment that supports how you want to feel and function. By thoughtfully curating your space, you invite calm, clarity, and renewal into your daily life.

Sometimes, the smallest sensory changes can create the most meaningful shifts.