There is no arguing the power of scent. It wields the ability to evoke emotions and transport us to the past with only a serendipitous passing whiff. Humans can distinguish thousands of odors and scientists are beginning to realize the olfactory system has far-reaching abilities to influence feelings and behavior.
Scent is a powerful tool at our disposal when setting our mood. Many people associate aromatherapy with stress management. A woman in a white robe about to slip into a bath filled with lavender scented bubbles. While lavender has excellent benefits (more on that later!) there are many scents that can be utilized to improve productivity.
That’s right, more than just a way to wind down, aromatherapy holds the power to elevate your day and cause you to become more productive. So, what does productivity smell like? Read on to learn more about the power of scent and how you can incorporate it into your daily habits.
The Smell of Productivity
Productivity is a term often found at the top of New Year’s resolutions. However, instead of utilizing a costly bullet journal or waking up earlier, the power of scent can be used to transform your day and increase productivity. But how does it work? To understand how certain aromas can help you make the most of your day, let’s first look at the science of smell.
When you use any of your senses, the region of the brain known as the thalamus relays the information before it reaches its destination. What makes the sense of smell so powerful is its ability to travel directly to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is connected to the hippocampus – the area responsible for memory. This small organ is an essential part of the limbic system and helps to regulate emotions.
What does this have to do with productivity? By using this information about how the brain works, we can use certain scents to promote well-being, happiness and productivity by incorporating them into our day! Read on to learn what scents can help to enhance your day, and how you can add them into your routine.
Improve Your Analytical Skills
Coffee is a well-known (and loved) part of the morning, but the scent can help make you more productive! The aroma of coffee improves analytical reasoning skills, as studies have indicated. So, go ahead, enjoy that second cup with confidence!
Rosemary is a popular and fragrant herb. Research has demonstrated rosemary improves memory. One recent study found a considerable 5 to 7% increase in test accuracy when the scent of rosemary was present!
Vetiver possesses a rich aroma. This scent helps to boost brain pattern function. It has been linked to decreasing symptoms found in ADHD sufferers. These symptoms include difficulty focusing and completing projects.
Perform at a Higher Level
Lemon, the well-loved and cheery fruit, has benefits beyond a fresh clean scent. A Japanese study has determined workers made more than 50% fewer errors when typing in a lemon-infused room.
Jasmine, surprisingly the first flower on our list! The scent of this pretty while flower has the powerful ability to increase beta waves and activity levels! Jasmine encourages movement and can inspire you to get up and go!
Productivity Through Focus
Cinnamon is a cheerful scent that evokes warm memories of holidays past. This aroma can heighten your attention and improve your performance.
Peppermint is popularly used in candies and treats but is known to have the unique ability to enhance your mood and elevate alertness!
Ginger is a powerhouse fragrance and one you should include when increasing your productivity. It assists in combating fatigue – essential to staying productive!
Recharge for Tomorrow
Pine is a beautiful scent and the ideal way to help you wind down. Known to help with battling depression, the scent of pine is a great way to reset for the productive day to come tomorrow.
Lemongrass is another great scent to incorporate during your nightly ritual. It works to lower anxiety levels and evokes a feeling of calmness.
Lavender is easily the most commonly utilized aroma when winding down. The warm scent of this cheerful flower puts you at ease and allows for restful sleep. The perfect preparation for tomorrow’s day full of accomplishments!
Whatever your preference, there is a therapeutic scent sure to elevate your productivity. These researched backed aromas have benefits in varying areas that can work together to improve your daily output and elevate your mood.
By understanding the power of smell and implementing modern research with aromatherapy, we can empower ourselves – and our noses! From the soothing aroma of your warm coffee in the morning to a lavender bubble bath at night. These aromas are sure to help you make the most of your day and handle unforeseen challenges with a level head and a happy heart.
