In business, productivity is one of those things that can always be improved. This is why computers and other forms of technology were invented and are constantly being researched. Similarly, in our office space we may also be trying to be more efficient for our own personal reasons – whether we want to make more money or we want to get certain tasks out of the way quicker so we can have more time for ourselves or our families.
Sometimes, however, increasing your productivity is a little easier said than done. There’s fatigue, bad moods, stress and other forces that can negatively impact our productivity so we may need a little boost to help improve performance. Essential oils are an excellent option that can give you that boost in a natural and safe way by addressing the root of the problem.
How essential oils help with productivity
Aromas interact with our body through our limbic system, activating or inhibiting certain hormones that are responsible for moods, stress and other feelings that can hurt or help productivity. Lavender and rosemary essential oils, for example, have been shown to reduce cortisol levels of subjects in a study by Meikai University.
In Japan, researchers found that when an office was scented with the aroma of lemons, the typing mistakes of employees decreased by 54%. Jasmine decreased the same by 33% and lavender – by 20%. This decrease in typing errors naturally leads to increased efficiency in the office environment.
Here are 5 essential oils that are excellent support for the busy office hours.
Lemon essential oil
Like the individuals in the study mentioned previously, you too can benefit from the stress relieving properties of lemon essential oil and boost your concentration to help you get through your tasks more efficiently.
Benefits:
- Relieves stress and improves concentration
- Uplifting aroma
- Easy to find (1 of the 3 most popular essential oils)
Black pepper essential oil
Black pepper oil has many antioxidants that improve circulation and a bad mood. Sitting for too long in the office, you can certainly benefit from an improved blood flow and a better mood.
Benefits:
Basil essential oil has been shown to:
- Improve mood and relax the body
- Improve circulation
Jasmine essential oil
This is another fragrance that gave positive results in the Japanese study mentioned earlier.
There was another study on jasmine specifically that showed that it works great as a mood booster to increase feelings of upbeatness and decreases drowsiness – great for those who are feeling down or fatigued.
Benefits:
- Excellent mood booster
- Fights drowsiness
Cypress essential oil
The cypress essential oil is derived from the branches of the cypress trees. This essential oil can help you heal during stressful transformative periods in life. It promotes vitality and higher energy levels.
Benefits:
- Equalizes the emotions when under stress
- Boosts energy levels and vitality
Douglas fir essential oil
The strong aroma of this oil makes it perfect for a holiday atmosphere as it increases the feelings of happiness. Boost your mood and improve your productivity by using this essential oil in your office.
Benefits:
- Opens up the airways in the body to let more oxygen come in easier
- Increases focus
- Uplifts the mood
Using these essential oils
There are two ways to get the benefits of these oils.
You can either diffuse them or inhale them directly using your palms.
When using a diffuser, use about 5 drops with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. Otherwise, you can pour 3 drops in your palm, rub your hands together and inhale.
The great thing about essential oils is that there are a ton of other aromas and applications to explore (for example, cooking and cleaning). Read this essential oils uses guide for some great ideas and tips on how to improve your life with these natural compounds.
