Because yelling ‘FOCUS!’ doesn’t actually work…

Back-to-School Brain Boost: Natural Ways to Improve Focus, Memory & Calm

Well good morning, friend! ☀️

Back-to-school season is officially here. If your house looks anything like mine, the pencils are sharpened, the notebooks are (mostly) labeled… and the brains? Well, sometimes they still seem stuck in summer mode. 😅

If motivation, memory, and focus aren’t showing up when you need them most, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Let’s talk about some simple, science-backed ways to reduce brain fog and help your family thrive this school year.

Essential Oils That Support Mental Clarity

Nature has given us some powerful tools to wake up the brain and support learning. Here are a few of my favorites:

🌿 Rosemary – Long used by Greek scholars to boost recall. Research shows it can improve memory and reaction times.

🌿 Peppermint – Refreshes the mind and body while enhancing mental clarity.

🌿 Vetiver – Grounds and calms a busy mind, easing stress.

🌿 Frankincense – A calming oil that supports deeper awareness and memory retention.

✨ Pro Tip: Diffuse essential oils during homework sessions. The brain’s memory center (the hippocampus) is closely tied to our sense of smell—which is why certain scents actually help learning stick!

Why Bedtime Routines Matter for Brain Health

If there’s one thing that makes or breaks school-day success, it’s sleep.

Studies show that kids with consistent bedtime rituals have better memory, mental health, and attention. Diffusing calming oils about 30 minutes before bed creates a peaceful, sleep-ready environment.

Need more help with sleep? 👉 [Watch my Sleep Class!]

Meet the Brain’s Messengers (a.k.a. Neurotransmitters)

Behind the scenes, your child’s focus, memory, and mood depend on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Here’s a quick breakdown:

🔸 Dopamine – The “Pay Attention” Messenger
Supports motivation + focus. Needs protein, iron, and B vitamins.

🔸 Norepinephrine – The “Alert & Aware” Signal
Keeps the brain sharp and responsive. Built from dopamine.

🔸 Acetylcholine – The “Memory & Learning” Messenger
Helps retain new information. Needs choline (eggs, fish, poultry) and healthy fats.

🔸 Serotonin – The “Calm & Steady” Foundation
Sets the emotional tone for focus. (Fun fact: most serotonin is made in the gut!)

When nutrition, gut health, minerals, and essential oils come together, kids don’t just survive the school year—they thrive.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Here’s to clear minds, steady moods, and strong learners this school year! 💛

And friend, let’s not forget—the most important lesson our children will ever learn is to love God with all their hearts. When this is the foundation of our homes, peace replaces stress and strife.

For encouragement in this area, listen to my latest episode on Family Worship. It’s full of practical ways to keep faith at the center of your family life.