Aromatherapy and concentration: 8 aromas to stimulate your creative side
Often overlooked, our sense of smell actually plays a critical role in our lives. How many times have you smelled something in the air that has changed your behavior or mood? Perhaps you smelled something that took you back to pleasant memories of your childhood; or perhaps you smelled something offensive that chased you away from a location.
Aromatherapy recognizes that our sense of smell can impact our well-being, and uses different aromas to create positive moods in the practitioners of this "art". And with the spread of smart-working, the "strategic" use of various aromas can help create a productive and positive atmosphere at home, improving the quality of our work outputs.
Let's discover the 8 best aromas to promote concentration and creativity at home and at work:
1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons and bergamots are perfect for those who need an energy boost in the mornings. Capable of relieving tension and promoting an increase in energy levels, citrus fruits will help you be more productive and concentrate better.
2. Rosemary
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Rosemary has demonstrably positive effects on memory and attention by improving mood, reducing fatigue and inducing a state of calm. This aroma can therefore be very useful during video conferences and long meetings, but also in moments when you need to be alert and are doing problem-solving work.
3. Cedar
Cedar is an aroma that instills strength and courage in moments of great challenge. This aroma is perfect for those who fear they will be less productive when working from home.
4. Lemongrass
Lemongrass essential oil has numerous useful properties which are positive for well-being. In aromatherapy, lemongrass is used to counteract tiredness and reduce tension, promoting calm, relaxation, concentration and clarity; this aroma can also prove useful if your lack of energy and concentration is caused by insomnia, as it promotes quality sleep.
5. Jasmine
Jasmine is the perfect aroma to have around for occasions such as meetings, video conferences, interviews and more generally, whenever there is a need to meet people. This aroma promotes relaxation in interpersonal relationships, as well as improving one's optimism and positivity.
6. Ginger
Known since ancient times as a useful root for its disinfectant and digestive abilities, ginger in aromatherapy is used to recharge one's energy levels: ginger promotes concentration and discernment, helping to keep a clear mind, memorize data and events, but also to increase reflectiveness.
7. Peppermint
Universally associated with freshness and energy, peppermint could not be missing from this list: great for promoting concentration, peppermint aroma helps fight tiredness and promotes mental clarity.
8. Cinnamon
We end with cinnamon, a sweet and warm aroma, which has always been associated with Christmas and is capable of inducing good moods. Its enveloping warmth creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, which stimulates motivation, concentration and productivity.
How to use aromas to promote concentration
But how do you use these aromas to help promote concentration? There are many methods you can use:
- The classic method is the use of a diffuser for essential oils: a few drops of essential oil in the water of the diffuser will be enough to envelop the entire room in an aroma;
- You can also make a pot pourri and customize it however you want; place it next to your workstation or on your desk;
- If you don't have a diffuser for essential oils, you can also use steam: place a saucepan with water on a heat source (the stove or a radiator, for example) and add the oils; the steam will spread a pleasant aroma throughout the entire room.
Which of these is your favorite aroma?
