This is the first of my “Kid Hacks” series! Hope you get some good info and have fun with your own crazy bunch of kiddos in the process!…
Do you or your kiddos have trouble focusing during study time? Do they have a tough time recalling what they’ve studied during testing? DId you know there’s a very easy strategy you can start using right away?! Introducing Olfactory-Evoked Recall! Have you ever caught a whif of a scent that suddenly brings you right back to some early childhood memory you never thought you’d ever be able to remember? A memory that now becomes very vivid in its detail? Our Olfactory system (sense of smell) has a pathway in the brain closely associated with the limbic system. The limbic system contains the amygdala and the hippocampus parts of the brain which are closely associated with emotion and memory respectively. Thus a memory associated with a specific smell can be vividly recalled when that smell is reintroduced! The memories associated with smell also have a persistence and high resistance to interference, meaning they can help us immediately focus on the details of a memory, despite distractions that may be going on around us.
So here is the best part…diffuse a specific set of “focus” oils while you or your kids are working and studying and then give them a way to smell that same diffuser blend during their testing and boom! Instant recall! Don’t believe me? Give it a try! Here is set of diffuser blends to get you rolling but let your kids play through your oils and find their favorites! You can use a diffuser at home but you can also get personal diffusers your kids can take with them to school during testing. My favorite way to do this is to use personal nasal inhalers. You can also be more subtle though with diffuser jewelry!
Want to make your own diffuser jewelry though? It’s an easy fun craft your kids can all participate in that has the added benefit of improving health! All you need is a little modeling clay (we like the air dry kind because its super easy to use!), some cookie cutters, a rolling pin, some cording and a few tools you can use to poke holes and make designs.
Once they are finished, attach the cording for either a necklace or bracelet. Paint or glaze the back that will touch your skin if you want. But leave the face (where you will apply the oils) unpainted…this will allow the clay to absorb the oils when you apply them for longer diffusing. You can then put a few drops of your favorite essential oils and enjoy the scent throughout the day! Here’s a few step by step instructions…
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