This series focuses on the five senses and this time it’s the turn of our noses. Sense of smell is often something that goes underused, in comparison to sight and touch for example. It’s something you don’t notice you use a lot of the time but with the market for air fresheners and aftershave so massive, the effects of what we smell on our productivity and general mood can be enormous.
Lemon
When life gives you lemons, stick them up your nose. Perhaps don’t take that too literally and the fruit itself sometimes needs a little enhancement for its properties to take effect. Lemon has antiviral and antibacterial properties and as such can help with colds or infections. What better way to boost your productivity at work than by not being ill at the desk?
Cinnamon
A fragrance usually reserved for foods and Christmas time, cinnamon has a very comforting effect for a lot of people. Mental fatigue can be combated by a hint of cinnamon and you can refocus your mind with a little sniff. A little sniff is all you need, mind, what with cinnamon being extremely strong and an irritant in larger does. Everything in moderation, we think.
Rosemary
A staple in the well-preened gardens of elite Nans? Maybe. Rosemary (and thyme, why not) is brilliant for aching muscles and can work as organic pain relief when rubbed on some cloth or wafted under the nose. Use this herb in the mornings if you want to maximise its potential as a productivity booster. I’m not saying leave a bunch by the bed but try scent boosters that plug in to keep the room smelling pleasant.
Peppermint
This is a good one because everyone knows you can find peppermint gum in just about corner shop around the country. With the senses of smell and taste intrinsically linked, chewing gum can invigorate both senses and as well as keeping your mouth occupied it also energises the part of the brain used for idea generation. Perfect for brainstorming, this one. Not a gum fan? A couple of drops of essential oil will do the trick!
Lavender
Freshly laundered bed sheets often come up smelling of lavender as so many fabric softener manufacturers use this scent because of its soothing qualities. Known to treat depression during aromatherapy sessions, lavender is the perfect mood booster if you’re feeling anxious or upset about working. It’s also a great room scent in the form of a burning candle or oils to help you nod off to sleep after a long day at the office…Zzzz.
