Aromatherapy probably isn't the first tool you think of to help boost your productivity
and grow your business, but maybe it should be. Smell is the strongest
of the senses and is best able to influence brain activity. Olfactory
bulbs are part of the limbic system and directly connect to the areas of
the brain that process emotion and learning."This is one of the reasons
why so often something that we smell will trigger a memory or remind us
of something or someone," says Beverley Hawkins, owner of the
Vancouver-based West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
Essential oils not only help improve job performance but health, meaning employees are
less likely to take sick time. "Essential oils have anti-viral,
anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and using them in an
environment where there are a lot of people can help to keep germs at
bay," says Hawkins. Inhaling essential oils activates the hypothalamus –
the area of the brain which sends messages to other parts of the body.
"A simple inhalation of an aroma can cause many changes in the body,"
says Hawkins, including activating the immune system, affecting blood
pressure and stimulating digestion.
You can still get the benefits of aromatherapy in a shared workspace
without offending others. Just place a drop or two of an essential oil
on a cotton ball and take a whiff when you need an energy boost. If you
have a private office, add 1-6 drops to an electric diffuser or create a
mister by adding a few drops of essential oils to a spray bottle filled
with distilled water.
Or, for a group benefit, put a bowl of hot water with a few drops of
essential oils in the middle of the table at your next brainstorming
session.
Here are six scents that Hawkins recommends for boosting your productivity, mood and more at work:
1. Lemon. This scent promotes concentration and has
calming and clarifying properties that are helpful when you're feeling
angry, anxious or run down. Lemon also has antiviral and antibacterial
properties and can help fight sore throats and colds by boosting the
body's immune system and improving circulation.
2. Lavender. This essential oil has calming
properties that help control emotional stress. Lavender has a soothing
effect on nerves and can relieve nervous tension and depression as well
as treat headaches and migraines.
3. Jasmine. Like lavender, jasmine it is also used
to calm nerves, but this oil is also commonly used as an anti-depressant
because of its uplifting capabilities that produce a feeling of
confidence, optimism and revitalized energy.
4. Rosemary. This is the perfect Monday morning
pick-me-up. In addition to improving memory retention, rosemary has
stimulating properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches and
mental fatigue. "It's excellent to use in the mornings when one needs a
bit of help getting going," says Hawkins. Rosemary can also be used
topically to relieve muscular aches and pains.
5. Cinnamon. The stimulating properties in cinnamon can help fight mental fatigue and improve concentration and focus.
6. Peppermint. Try peppermint when brainstorming. An
energy booster, this scent invigorates the mind, promotes concentration
and stimulates clear thinking.
