Scents that Help You Work (Link Roundup)
Almost everyone has had the experience of inhaling a potent aroma that reminds them of a fond memory of their past–and instantly getting an energy boost or a shift in their mood. This powerful phenomenon is exactly what essential oil and aromatherapy industries have been capitalizing on for years now. In fact, exciting new research is demonstrating that essential oils can have incredible and wide-ranging benefits for individuals.
So why does aromatherapy have such an effect on human beings? The answer goes back to the anatomy of our brain. Above our nasal cavity is the olfactory bulb, an area of our brain that processes scents as they are inhaled by the nose. And, unlike the other senses which are sent to the thalamus before they are registered by our conscious brain, the olfactory bulb does the processing in-house. From there, the information about the scent travels on to the next two areas of the brain which are right next to the olfactory bulb–the hippocampus and the amygdala. And what parts of our consciousness are those brain areas responsible for? You guessed it, our long-term memories and our deep emotional processing.
That’s why aromatherapy can be such an effective way to shift your mood and soothe tension or anxiety. It’s unsurprising, then, that researchers have now expanded their studies to determine the other ways that aromatherapy can offer positive benefits. And their research is pointing towards many incredible applications of the power of scent! Below are some of the most promising essential oils and how they can be used to promote your productivity and well-being at work.
- Rosemary
Rosemary has been used in folk remedies for years to boost memory–and now the science is backing that up! To increase alertness or improve your memory when you’re on the job, try a few drops of rosemary oil on your wrists or temples!
- Vetiver
Vetiver is a unique plant is one of the most complex essential oils that has a wide range of effects on the central nervous system. In fact, it’s been shown to have the most
powerful effects on individuals diagnosed with ADHD, and can powerfully effect concentration levels.
- Coffee
We all know through experience that the smell of coffee can have powerful effect on your mood throughout the day–but did you know that the science is there to back you up? A recent study in Taiwan showed that teachers who simply smelled coffee were able to reduce their stress and tension significantly.
- Lemon
Lemon has been one of the most popular essential oils to study because it’s been shown to have a wide range of positive benefits on patients. A recent study showed that it could even improve the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer’s disease! Imagine what it can do for you when you need to make a presentation.
- Jasmine
Jasmine has been proven many times to be a pain reliever as well as calming effects on the nervous system. One study even showed that jasmine can cultivate relaxation to the same degree as valium–without any side effects. When you need to stay calm during a stressful day at the office, jasmine should be your go-to.
- Citrus
Citrus aromas, particularly bergamot, have been used in Asian medicine for a long time because of their plentiful benefits. One recent study demonstrated that citrus has the power to increase your alertness and make you more responsive to your environment–perfect when you’re at an important meeting!
- Cinnamon
There’s a reason cinnamon is a main ingredient in so many desserts–the sweet aroma has many powerful benefits to human beings. One recent study demonstrated that using the oil can decrease stress and increase cognitive function, making it the perfect oil when you need a performance boost.
- Peppermint
When you need help staying alert during your work day and want to improve your performance on certain benchmarks or evaluations you may encounter in your job, look to peppermint. A wealth of studies have proven the oil’s unique benefits.
- Ginger
Are you dealing with some chronic pain or fatigue that keeps you from being on your A-game at work? Ginger is the answer. A recent study on ginger showed that it can greatly improve function and lower anxiety in patients undergoing chemotherapy–so just imagine how it could give you a boost.
- Pine
If you’ve ever gone for a hike in a pine forest you know how soothing the scent can be. And now, the science is truly backing it up. A recent study showed that it can have some powerful antidepressant effects, making it a great choice if you’re facing the Monday morning blues.
- Lemongrass
Are you looking for a way to wind down after a lot of stress? Lemongrass is an excellent choice, as it’s been proven to reduce anxiety and tension in humans almost immediately. Put some in a diffuser in your office and see the benefits all day long!
- Lavender
One of the most popular essential oils because of its powerful and calming effect, studies have proven lavender is one of the most beneficial oils because it has so many powers. In the workplace, it’s a great oil to use when you want to recharge because it can help energize the brain during rest.
So if you’re looking for some productivity hacks that are inexpensive and very easy to implement, give aromatherapy and essential oils a try. There’s a wealth of evidence demonstrating that there are numerous benefits to utilizing oils in order to perform at your best when your at your job–and recover when you’ve had a stressful day. Experiment and enjoy yourself–there’s a lot to discover!
