It may not be the first method that comes to mind, but aromatherapy can do wonders for your productivity, and help you in ways you can’t even imagine. The strongest sense we have is our sense of smell, so much so that it taps into parts of the brain unlike anything else.
Have you ever been walking down the street and the smell of freshly cut grass stops you in your tracks and fills you with unexpected warmth? That is because the smell sends a message to your brain, and lights up areas in your brain that controls your emotions. Everything from anxiety to overwhelming joy, can be triggered by smell, and the same goes for productivity.
Essential oils and scents are not only calming; they can also sharpen and focus the mind, which can make you incredibly productive. Here are five scents that can do just that!
1. Cinnamon
When you think of cinnamon, you tend to think of those bakeries you used to pass in the morning that would bake delicious pastries, but the scent of cinnamon isn’t just a tool to make your mouth water. It can do phenomenal things for your productivity too!
Cinnamon is a stimulant that makes the mind alert, fights fatigue and improves memory. It has been proven that cinnamon can increase cognitive function in alarming amounts as well as having an abundance of medicinal uses, which is why it’s used to treat many Parkinson’s patients.
2. Rosemary
When Monday rolls around after a long weekend, the last thing on your mind is going to work for another week. You are exhausted and it can be hard to switch to ‘Monday mode’. If this sounds like you then rosemary is exactly what you need!
Just like cinnamon, rosemary is a stimulant that aids memory retention and fights fatigue. So whether it’s an oil burner, a candle or some essential oils, make sure you get a healthy dose of rosemary before you go into the office on Monday.
3. Lemon
There’s a good reason why people often put lemon in their tea when they are feeling a bit run down. It’s because lemon has a lot of positive properties, including the aid of concentration, the ability to combat exhaustion, anxiety and even anger. It has a calming effect that focuses the mind, and therefore is fantastic for productivity.
4. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a refreshing and rejuvenating aroma that has many productivity-enhancing capabilities. When you feel like your mind has no more left to give, eucalyptus is one of the scents you can call on to get a real good boost.
Eucalyptus is best utilised when inhaling it from a container, but the same effects can be gained by rubbing a small amount onto the skin or letting the scent fill the room.
5. Ginger
We all know the scent of ginger can be quite overpowering, but if you are careful not to use it in excess, it can do miracles for your productivity.
Ginger is a stimulant, and while not as powerful as some of the other natural stimulants on this list, ginger still packs a punch when it comes to giving you a bountiful dose of energy. As well as relieving anxiety, ginger is also a great tool to combat depression and sadness, making it an incredibly versatile and useful scent to use at home and at work.
Essential oils and scents do a lot more than make your room smell nice. They can enhance your brainpower, energise you, and naturally lift your mood.
If you struggle in a high-pressure working environment, or even at home, it will only benefit you to take note of some of the scents on this list and invest in some aromatherapy.
Zoe Anderson is an employee at StudySelect. She’s keen on learning about new eLearning trends and is also interested in project management trends.
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