While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of college essentials, I’m here to tell you that an essential oils diffuser is a must. For those of you who don’t know, an oil diffuser breaks down essential oils that are added to it into smaller particles and then disperses them into the air. This aromatherapy is a great self-care element to mix into your routine. It requires minimal effort and is perfect for college dorms. Especially when living in a communicable space with someone else (or a lot of people), essential oils can filter out the smell and add a new complement to your living space. Plus, they are super small and easily stored!
Another cool thing about essential oil diffusers is the oils themselves. When it comes to picking your oil, they all have specific claims so you have to pick the one that is best suited for your situation. Because essential oils are very concentrated and strong, they activate your limbic system, the part of your brain that controls emotions, behaviors, and memory. This stimulates other things unconsciously such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
Each specific scent is linked to something positive, so here are some of my favorites and what they do:
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Peppermint: Peppermint is great for a boost of energy, helping headaches or migraines, and super good at calming down nausea.
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Lavender: Helps with stress regulation and has strong calming effects.
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Lemon: Aids with digestion, headaches, and boosting your mood.
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Orange: Adds a boost of energy, great for starting your morning off strong. It also has a ton of skin benefits when applied directly to your skin as well.
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Eucalyptus: Relieves airways during a cold or flu and has antifungal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
These are just five simple scents, and there are so many more to choose from. You can even mix and match some of the scents to create the perfect aromatherapy for you!