Perfumes for better functioning.

What does work feel like to you? If you had asked me this six years ago, I would have answered cheap pepperoni and red wine (pizza restaurant), or Impulse body spray and freesia scented disinfectant (a fast fashion store).

Now that I divide my days between working from home and a shared office, my Monday to Friday has a more subtle scent – Nag Champa incense, Melbourne city air, or whatever thaws in the microwave. (some scents are better than others).

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Although we organized our office spaces and splashed out on laptop stands, it was easy to overlook the importance of non-physical elements. The general atmosphere of all that. And it turns out that those smells that rise to our nostrils during the nine to five days can actually impact the course of our days.

Besides improving the overall smell and tickling the beautiful parts of our brain (i.e. scientific language), the right scent can also play a psychological role in increasing productivity, increased alertness and improved cognitive functions.

According to psychologist Mark Moss, certain aromas can “potentially improve memory by being absorbed into the blood when we inhale…

Personally, I’m up for any productivity help that requires little to no effort (I’m a walking paradox, sweetheart). Here are the best room fragrances for calm and concentration.

Amber Orange Diptyque Candle

Vetiver is a plant valued for its medicinal properties (nervous and circulatory problems, upset stomach) and its warm, earthy and woody scent. Proven to contain components that increase oxygenation to brain cells, vetiver is ideal for focus, focus and general calm. With notes of amber, patchouli and – above all – vetiver, this Diptyque candle will keep you zen during the working day.

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Le Labo Verbena 32 candle

Along with its antibacterial properties, citrus fruits can also help reduce stress levels, wake you up, and bring some clarity on brain fog days. A Japanese study even found that typing errors were reduced by over 50% in citrus-smelling workplaces, and if I can reduce my mistakes with Le Labo, that’s exactly what I’ll do. This candle smells of eucalyptus, kaffir lime and violet.

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Maison Balzac Le Matin essential oil

Rosemary is not only delicious in cooking, according to Mark Moss, but it also helps preserve memory. A great excuse to buy one of its brilliant oil burners, this Maison Balzac Le Matin essential oil contains two of the proven calming ingredients: lemon and rosemary.

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DS Candle and Durga Breakfast Leipzig

While the smell of coffee is synonymous with an early morning, did you know that it can actually help you wake up? That’s right – there’s a reason you love the aroma of freshly ground beans. The right scent of coffee can help improve analytical reasoning and promote attention – like this breakfast candle from DS and Durga.

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Urban Apothecary Green Lavender Candle

It just wouldn’t be fair to leave out the most well-known of calming scents – lavender. According to Moss, “research suggests that lavender can improve relaxation, and therefore performance at work later is improved because the rest period is more efficient.” Calm down as you burn this herb and green lavender candle.

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House Balzac La Terra Incense

Cinnamon and spices are good for several uses – freshly baked pastries, festive seasonal drinks, and increasing your attention span. A surprisingly powerful stimulant, cinnamon works to increase your motor responses and awaken your senses. Similar hot spices can also help you tick off your to-do list. This Maison Balzac incense (rested in a pretty pebble holder) is an elegant and low-maintenance energy booster.

Get it here.

For more productivity-boosting fragrances, go here.