Do you find yourself hitting a wall after lunch, struggling to stay focused and productive? You’re not alone – according to a recent study, 70% of office workers experience the dreaded “afternoon slump”, that moment when energy plummets and motivation feels like a distant memory. While many of us instinctively reach for a cup of coffee, a sugary snack, or even a quick nap, there might be a simpler and more refreshing solution: scents.
The experts at HAYPP have delved into the science of aromatherapy to reveal which fragrances can help kickstart your energy and productivity, and how these invigorating aromas can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
5 scents to reignite your energy
- Rosemary
Rosemary has been used in aromatherapy and as part of holistic medicine for centuries, but in recent years studies have proven the stimulatory effects of this woody scent, impacting factors including our brain wave activity, nervous system responses, and mood.
This essential oil has the capacity to boost energy, increase productivity, and heighten focus; the perfect scent to pick you up out of an afternoon slump.
- Citrus
Citrus scents are delightfully refreshing and bright, and they can have that same invigorating effect on our energy levels and mindset.
With an abundance to choose from, everything from lemon, lime, sweet orange or grapefruit can uplift our mood and motivation. Scents can all have a different impact on each person’s unique disposition, but the chances are that there is a citrus scent out there with the ability to brighten your mood and concentration.
- Peppermint
The fresh, cooling smell of peppermint is one that is immediately recognisable, and the essential oil is used in products all around us, from skincare to cleaning products. However, the scent alone could be utilised to improve our energy and productivity.
The invigorating smell has the ability to provide an immediate boost of energy and alertness, making it the perfect stimulating scent to lift us out of any sleepiness and lethargy that we may be feeling come mid afternoon.
- Lavender
Lavender is a famously soothing scent, and its calming nature is utilised in everything from teas to beauty products. However, the role this can play in productivity and concentration is often overlooked.
Using lavender to calm anxieties and relax the mind can be a powerful aid to increase concentration and improve ability to focus, especially for those who experience restlessness or overthinking as a barrier to productivity.
- Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus as an essential oil is incredibly versatile. Known for helping to clear a chest and allow healthy breathing, eucalyptus is often used in topical ointments for coughs, colds, and flus. However, winter bugs are not the only thing eucalyptus can help combat.
Perhaps due to the way the scent promotes deep breathing, or its naturally stimulating aroma, eucalyptus can help to improve focus and increase productivity; perfect as an afternoon pick me up.
How to incorporate these scents into your life and home
When it comes to the best way to incorporate these scents into your home, office, or life in general, there are countless options and it can feel impossible to know where to start.
Here are just a few of the easiest methods:
- Candles: One of the most common and trusted ways to add scents into a room, candles can also be used to reap the benefits of energy boosting aromas by choosing a scent with your preferred essential oil.
- Reed diffuser: One of the most tried, tested, and fuss-free options for utilising essential oils, reed diffusers simply absorb the oil mixture via the reeds and release the aroma into the room through evaporation.
- Electric diffuser: Similar to reed diffusers, just ever so slightly more high-tech, electric diffusers turn the essential oils into a mist which is then dispersed into the room.
- DIY room spray: With just a few drops of your chosen essential oil, a spray bottle and some water, you can create a DIY air freshener to spray throughout the room whenever you need a boost.
- Cotton balls: A quick and easy method for bringing aromas into a room is simply adding a few drops of an essential oil (or a mixture) onto a cotton ball and placing it somewhere in the room.
