In my book Essential Oils for Happy Living, I explain that “the most important decisions we make—the ones that rule our lives and determine the outcome of our personal stories—are generally emotion based. Coming to understand your emotions will make you better equipped to improve yourself and perform better in all aspects of life.” The renowned neuroscientist and pharmacologist Candace Pert devoted her life to the study of the brain and the role that emotions play in health and consciousness. She said, “Your body is your subconscious mind. Our physical body can be changed by the emotions we experience. . . . A feeling sparked in our mind—or body—will translate as a peptide being released somewhere. [Organs, tissues, skin, muscle and endocrine glands], they all have peptide receptors on them and can access and store emotional information. This means the emotional memory is stored in many places in the body, not just or even primarily, in the brain. You can access emotional memory anywhere in the peptide/receptor network, in any number of ways. I think unexpressed emotions are literally lodged in the body. The real true emotions that need to be expressed are in the body, trying to move up and be expressed and thereby integrated, made whole, and healed” ( http://candacepert.com/where-do-you-store-your-emotions/ ). If emotions have this much power, it makes sense that we should pay as much attention to them as we do to our physical health. Oftentimes, however, people tend to bury their emotions or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, overexert them. Research has proven that when we learn to properly express and nourish our emotions, we not only become more mentally content, but we also become more physically healthy. Exercise, meditation, mindfulness , maintaining a healthy balance between work and home life , practicing faith, and getting enough sleep are all wonderful ways to nourish your emotions. Another valuable way to raise your emotional IQ is the daily use of essential oils. Citrus oils , in particular, are powerfully effective at clearing receptor sites in the brain, eliminating harmful pathogens from the body, and reducing stress and feelings of anxiousness. Frankincense can penetrate cell walls to combat pathogens, toxins, and unwanted pathogens from the lymphatic systems. A blend of respiratory oils—such as eucalyptus, laurel leaf, peppermint, and tea tree—can clear your chest and your mind, helping you to release frustration, anger, and fears. Here are seven (one for each day of the week) of my favorite oil protocols for nourishing my emotions, along with affirmations you can repeat to help imprint positive ideas in your mind. Once you’ve tried these out, experiment with your own favorite blends or repeat these protocols on a rotating basis. 1 . To create positive energy. Blend 2 drops each cypress, lemon, Melissa, sandalwood, tangerine, and ylang ylang with 4 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil in a glass vial or roller bottle. Apply behind the ears and repeat this affirmation: “I am maintaining extraordinary positive energy and healthy boundaries. Everyone I encounter is happy, helpful, delightful, and supports me in multiplying positive energy in my environment.” 2. To foster peace. Blend 3 drops each black pepper, geranium, Melissa, and wild orange with 2 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil in a glass vial or roller bottle. Apply to the throat or the bottoms of the feet. For extra support, do so morning and night. Repeat this affirmation: “I manage my emotions with ease and understanding. I am confident in my ability to remain calm and peaceful.” 3. For clarity. Blend 4 drops each frankincense, lemon, and rosemary, 3 drops each lavender and white fir, and 2 drops each fennel and rose with 4 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil in a glass vial or roller bottle. Rub a few drops between your hands and inhale. For extra support, apply to the bottoms of the feet and the lower back. Repeat this affirmation: “I am more balanced and healthy in all aspects of my world each day. I am willing to allow myself to be human and imperfect without chronic criticism. I joyfully declare what makes me happy and I take steps toward living joyfully each day.” 4. To lift and calm. Blend 7 drops wild orange, 5 drops rosemary, 4 drops helichrysum , 4 drops Roman chamomile, and 3 drops geranium with 4 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil in a glass roller bottle. Roll an X on the right side of the center of your body and then roll a circle around the X. Repeat twice a day with this affirmation: “My emotions support me. My feelings support my best and highest good. I am safe to examine my feelings and put them in proper perspective. I express my feeling in constructive and positive ways. I am happy with my feelings.” 5. For personal strength. Blend 4 drops geranium, 3 drops Melissa, 3 drops rosemary, and 2 drops cinnamon with 4 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil in a glass roller bottle. Apply to the back of the neck in an upward motion and around the core of the stomach. Repeat this affirmation: “I trust that I can hear and understand my innermost thoughts clearly. I own my thoughts. I think positively. I enjoy initiating good feelings instead of reacting to old patterns.” 6. To clear the mind. Blend 4 drops frankincense, 3 drops Roman chamomile, and 2 drops wild orange with 2 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil in a glass vial or roller bottle. Apply to the throat and neck area in an upward motion. Repeat this affirmation: “I see my dreams clearly and I claim them. My inner vision is clear and focused. I find solutions through relaxing my mind.” 7. To nurture spirituality. Blend 3 drops each cedarwood , lavender, and rosemary in a glass vial with 4 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil. Massage into your neck and shoulders. Repeat this affirmation: “My thoughts, words, and actions are divinely guided. I patiently and respectfully ask for Divine guidance in all things.” Warm regards, Rebecca Hintze