While the practice itself has been around for centuries, yoga has become increasingly popular in mainstream culture in recent years. The same can be said for the use of essential oils. Coincidence? We think not! People are using both of these natural alternatives to encourage focus, manage emotions, boost energy, and promote healthy overall wellness. Wanna pack a real punch? Let’s combine them to help you get the most out of your mind, body, and spirit experiences! We love adding essential oils into our yoga routine to help keep our bodies centered and our minds focused as we set our sights on whole-body wellness. Essential oils can help to increase the benefits of movement and meditation in your yoga practice, giving you the ultimate relaxing experience.

So how about we start by talking about meditation first. What exactly is it and why do we focus on it? The practice of meditation is actually really simple. It simply engages your mind helping you to feel both relaxed and energized all at the same time. Sounds a bit crazy and contradictory  we know, but man, does it work! With the use of essential oils, you can further deepen that connection and activate all of your senses, especially your sense of smell. Using essential oils in your yoga meditation practice can help to calm any nerves and bring your mind to a restful state. Inhaling essential oils during this quiet time helps to activate the limbic region of the brain which releases emotions stored there. In turn, this practice of aromatherapy can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced lifestyle!

You can easily incorporate essential oils into your daily yoga routine by applying them to your body, diffusing them into the air, and even making your own yoga mat spray. Here is our favorite DIY recipe for a clean and happy mat:

Yoga Mat Spray

1 tablespoon witch hazel
8-10 drops of essential oil of choice

In a 6oz glass spray bottle combine the above ingredients. Fill with distilled water, shake, spray down your mat, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits as you begin your yoga practice!

But wait, what oils should I be using? That’s a really great question, so let’s take a look at the oils most widely used in yoga practices to help you focus on particular aspects of movement and meditation:

Essential Oils for Grounding

Patchouli
Clove
Clary Sage
Palo Santo
Cedarwood
Vetiver

Essential Oils for Energy

Bergamot
Grapefruit
Lime
Orange
Rosemary
Geranium

Essential Oils for Relaxation

Peace & Calming
Chamomile
Myrrh
Valor
Vetiver
Tangerine

Young Living has also created many different blends designed to help compliment meditation and yoga such as Believe, Envision, Harmony, Release, and Inspiration. However you choose to use the oils during your or fitness routine is entirely up to you, but we can just about promise you will have an elevated exercise experience as you breath in and focus on your mind, body, and spirit!