The Nose Knows

The Nose Knows

Brain fogs, we all get them. Its symptoms include confusion, forgetfulness, and lack of focus and mental clarity. Sometimes you focus too much on work and start to get overwhelmed. You can’t think, you lose focus. You can’t concentrate on the task at hand. This can adversely affect our work and productivity.

Sometimes, we need to take a step back to regain clarity. We lose sight of the bigger picture when we’re too focused on the details and it helps to take small mental breaks in order to clear our heads and “get back in the game”

Stress causes knots and kinks in our bodies and that restricts blood flow and oxygen – just when our brain needs it the most! So, taking short mental breaks to de-stress is not only good for your sanity but for your body as well.

A good way to de-stress is to put on a diffuser and make a blend of essential oils to set the mood for brain de-fogging or try smelling some scents that can instantly give you a clarity boost. The right scents can boost alertness and increase brain power. Cary Caster, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and founder of 21 Drops Essential Oil Therapy says, “Scents have a powerful effect on the brain and can give us an instant boost in productivity and focus.”

Here are some favorite scents to help you gain clarity and enhance productivity [1].

Frankincense
“The essential oil contains numerous sesquiterpenes which oxygenate and stimulate the limbic system, the seat of our memory and emotions, to improve memory retention and clarity of thinking,” says Caster. A study published in the journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that burning frankincense could have a Prozac-like effect on the brain by activating anti-depressive pathways and lowering anxiety.

Lemon
According to research from Ohio State University, sniffing lemon improved people’s moods and raised levels of norepinephrine, a brain chemical linked to executive decision-making and motivation. Lemon can really work wonders for keeping you motivated and productive.

Peppermint
“The uplifting oil is well known for its ability to awaken and refresh the mind, aiding in focus and mental clarity,” says Caster. Another study shows that the scent of peppermint can reduce mental fatigue and burnout. This is great news for those afflicted with brain fog.

Coffee
Of course, this list won’t be complete without coffee. In fact, no workday would be complete without coffee. A study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that just breathing in coffee’s bitter scent could reverse the effects of sleep deprivation on the brain and bust stress. So, there is science working behind the age-old adage that coffee is a great pick me upper. People instantly perk up not just from the caffeine but also from smelling coffee.

How about you? What are your favorite scents to induce clarity and productivity? Let us know in the comments. Stay humble and hustle hard!

 

Written by Jaie O. The Help

 

Source:
1. https://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/best-scents-for-productivity-and-focus/slide/1