The Best Essential Oils for supporting ADHD
ADHD is attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder mainly in children but also in some of us adults. Essential oils are believed to help ADHD when used in conjunction with behavioural therapy, as they have a calming or relaxing effect. This calming effect may help modify some symptoms including:
- Inability to concentrate for long periods of time
- Hyperactivity
- Inability to manage impulsive behaviour
- Inability to consider the consequences of some actions
- Forgetfulness
- Fidgeting
- Trouble getting along with others
The below Oils can support you or a loved one:
Pure Organic Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender has been used for hundreds of years to reduce anxiety.
- Best used for: Lavender essential oil can be useful for lowering anxiety and helping you become more relaxed, which could potentially help with ADHD symptoms.
Pure Organic Orange Essential Oil
Orange oil is derived from the rinds of the sweet orange.
Orange essential oil was also used and showed it could reduce anxiety and create calm in individuals in a stressful environment.
Again, although orange oil may be effective in reducing anxiety, there is not enough scientific backing on its use to treat ADHD symptoms.
Do not go in the sun if you apply any citrus oils to your skin.
- Best used for: Orange oil is best used to calm anxiety and help regulate emotions in stressful situations.
Pure organic Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is a musky, sweet smelling aroma and is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree.
Frankincense may be able to help people focus better and help with calmness. It may also help reduce some negative emotions that people with ADHD commonly experience.
Though frankincense may be helpful with calmness, more research is needed to prove whether the oil can directly improve ADHD symptoms.
- Best used for: Frankincense oil is helpful for focus and aiding in relaxation and calmness.
Pure Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil from the flowering part as well as the leaves of the peppermint plant.
It’s believed to have a soothing effect. It can help relax and calm the restlessness. People with sensitive skin should dilute this essential oil even more than other essential oils by adding more carrier oil or less essential oil.
- Best used for: Though more research is needed to determine whether peppermint oil can directly reduce ADHD symptoms, it may help with some symptoms including restlessness.
Here are 5 tips to help cope with ADHD as an adult at work:
- Get organised. This is probably the most important tip for anyone with ADHD, but it's especially important for adults who are working. Having a system for keeping track of your work, appointments, and deadlines will help you stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed. There are many different ways to get organised, so find a system that works for you and stick with it. Some people like to use calendars, planners, or to-do lists, while others prefer to use apps or software programs. Experiment until you find something that you're comfortable with and that helps you stay on top of things.
- Set realistic goals. People with ADHD often have difficulty setting and achieving goals. This is because they may be easily discouraged by setbacks or may have trouble staying focused on long-term goals. One way to overcome this challenge is to set small, achievable goals that you can build on over time. For example, if you're working on a big project, break it down into smaller tasks that you can complete one at a time. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
- Take breaks. People with ADHD can often get easily bored or restless, which can lead to them becoming unproductive. One way to combat this is to take frequent breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air, or chat with a coworker. Taking breaks will help you stay focused and refreshed when you return to your work.
- Ask for help. If you're struggling to cope with ADHD at work, don't be afraid to ask for help from your manager, coworkers, or other resources. There are many people who are willing to help you succeed, so don't be afraid to reach out for assistance. Your manager may be able to provide you with accommodations, such as a quiet workspace or more flexible deadlines. Your coworkers may be able to help you stay on track by reminding you of deadlines or helping you with tasks. There are also many resources available to help people with ADHD, such as books, websites, and support groups.
- Take care of yourself. People with ADHD are often more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. It's important to take care of your physical and mental health by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. You should also make time for relaxation and stress-reducing activities, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. Taking care of yourself will help you be more productive and focused at work.
Tips and Tricks: Why not try a few drops of one of your favourite oils above while out and about on our keyring diffuser, or use our aroma diffuser with Lavender or night time signature scent in the evenings to help wind down. @gaba.life GABA podcast on spotify has a great soundscape meditation on ADHD called cloud transformations.
Sending healthy wishes on your journey x