It’s difficult to maintain optimal productivity. There are many internal and external factors that affect our mood, cognitive functioning and physical health. Usually, certain parts of the day are more productive than others, but anything from a bad night’s sleep to the stress of a looming deadline can sabotage your to-do list.
Aromatherapy is an easy and effective way to improve your mood, concentration, and energy levels, leading to greater productivity. It is widely known different scents can trigger memories and emotions, but they can also soothe and energize us.
So if you find your productivity dwindling, give these aromatherapy scents a try.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is a natural stimulant that has been shown to increase concentration and energy levels, as well as boost your mood. This aromatherapy scent is great when you need a pick-me-up or if your mind is in a million different places.
To take advantage of peppermint’s beneficial qualities, buy it in oil form. There are several ways to use peppermint oil. Simply inhale its aroma straight from the bottle to feel immediately energized. Or rub a few drops on your wrists, neck or temples for a longer-lasting effect. You can also use a diffuser to spread the peppermint scent throughout your office or wherever you need to be productive.
2. Lemon
The refreshing scent of lemon is one of the best aromatherapy tools out there. It energizes and calms, clears the mind and decreases anxiety. Lemon also supports the immune system with antioxidants and toxin-flushing abilities. Maintaining optimal health and avoiding colds and other illnesses is one of the most important ways to meet your productivity goals.
Try lemon oil in a vaporizer, add a few drops to hot bath water, or pick it up as an aromatherapy product like soap or body lotion. Drinking water with fresh-squeezed lemon juice is another easy way to benefit from lemon’s healing properties.
3. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is widely used to relieve respiratory and sinus congestion, but it has many productivity-boosting powers as well. An exhausted mind struggles not only to concentrate but also to carry out everyday tasks. The aroma of eucalyptus oil has a refreshing and rejuvenating effect on the body and spirit. It also increases blood flow to the brain, making your mind sharper and more efficient.
Similar to peppermint oil, the aromatherapy scent of eucalyptus oil can be enjoyed by breathing it in from its container, dabbing a small amount on the skin, or spreading it throughout the room in a diffuser or vaporizer.
4. Cinnamon
We associate the scent of cinnamon with baked goods more than aromatherapy, but it turns out that this sweet spice affects more than just your stomach. A whiff of cinnamon will improve your memory and cognitive functioning.
Because its oil form is very strong, you should only apply cinnamon oil to skin in small, diluted amounts. It works better when used in a diffuser and can be combined with other essential oils such as lemon and rosemary.
5. Lavender
Lavender is such a delicate yet powerful scent. It has been shown to relieve stress and tension, two things that can directly alter how productive we are. With the amount of stress we encounter on a daily basis, this scent is a perfect option, especially in a busy workplace. Lavender can also be used to fight depression, agitation and headaches, so it is really versatile.
Getting enough sleep is an important part of productivity, so try spritzing lavender oil on your pillow and sheets before you go to bed. To increase its powers of revival, pair it with rosemary, eucalyptus or lemon oil.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is another great multipurpose aromatherapy tool. It is stimulating and energizing, which is perfect when we need a pick-me-up and improved concentration. It also helps to aid memory, tackle exhaustion and reduce headaches, all of which can affect productivity.
A 2007 study showed rosemary reduces cortisol levels in the bloodstream, leading to lower levels of stress. For stress-relieving and cognitive strengthening benefits, try inhaling the aroma of rosemary oil for five minutes.
7. Grapefruit
This citrus scent is refreshing and invigorating, which can increase energy levels. It is also great at balancing the mind, so you won’t feel over-stimulated or bogged down. Grapefruit also reduces stress and depression, and improves immune health.
Try diffusing grapefruit oil in the morning, when you hit that afternoon energy drop, or anytime you want to feel energized.
8. Ginger
The scent of ginger is very strong and can be somewhat overpowering if used in excess, so be careful not to use too much. It serves as a mild stimulant, making it a great energizer, and it also helps to keep feelings of depression at bay.
Keep a handkerchief with a few drops of ginger oil on it by your desk and inhale the scent throughout the day for energy. Try blending ginger with orange essential oil for a stimulating combination.
9. Jasmine
If you are feeling overly stressed, jasmine is a good option to get a bit of relief. You will not only relieve tension and anxiety with this aroma but also feel revitalized, as well. If you are looking for a scent that is calming yet also uplifting, then jasmine is the way to go. It has been known to boost confidence and even create euphoria.
Use jasmine oil in a diffuser or burner to benefit from its warm and soothing qualities throughout your workday.
Picking the Right Scents
While the benefits of aromatherapy are vast and versatile, you want to make sure you’re using the best scents for your lifestyle. Generally, you’ll want to use more energizing scents earlier in the day and calming aromas later on, especially if you have trouble unwinding after a long day. If you’re aware of regular triggers in your routine, you can ward off sleepiness, depression and other productivity-busters with the appropriate essential oil.
With the incredible benefits of aromatherapy at your disposal, you’ll be able to live your fullest life and accomplish more than you thought possible.
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