Aromatherapy effect: The underestimated tool for leaders?

Managers have to cope with immense demands every day. Stress at work is constantly increasing. Many leaders are looking for innovative solutions. One method that is often overlooked is the effect of aromatherapy. Essential oils can significantly change everyday working life. The aromatherapy effect supports concentration, calmness and emotional balance. This article shows how managers benefit from aromatherapy. The focus is on support through conscious fragrance applications.

Aromatherapy effect: an underestimated tool in management

Many managers are still unaware of the effects of aromatherapy. This is surprising, because essential oils have a direct effect on the nervous system. The olfactory cells absorb odour molecules and convert them into electrical impulses [8]. These signals reach the limbic system in the brain. Important subsequent reactions occur there. The body releases certain hormones. A lavender scent, for example, can have a calming effect. Citrus notes, on the other hand, revitalise and lift the mood [1]. The aromatherapy effect is therefore not an esoteric idea, but a biological process.

This effect plays a special role in a professional context. Leaders are under chronic stress. This constant stress constantly activates the sympathetic nervous system. The body remains on alert. In the long term, this weakens the immune system and impairs brain performance [4]. This is where the importance of the effect of aromatherapy becomes particularly clear. It supports the transition to the parasympathetic nervous system. This part of the nervous system enables recovery and regeneration [4]. This process can be specifically promoted with targeted fragrances.

Aromatherapy effects in daily practice

Create calm through aromatherapy effect during intensive work phases

Managers need inner peace before important meetings. The aromatherapy effect helps to create this state. Lavender oil is often used for relaxation [5]. It helps the mind to calm down. A simple scent roller with lavender can be used discreetly. Camomile and bergamot also promote calmness [5]. These oils can be nebulised in the meeting room.

A startup systematically used lavender oil in all important meetings. The management team diffused the oil in the room 15 minutes before the meeting began. The observation showed that the team seemed noticeably calmer. Discussions became more focussed and objective. Decision-making processes were quicker. The overall atmosphere in the discussions was more relaxed and constructive. Conflicts escalated less frequently. The aromatherapy effect therefore positively supported the team dynamics. After three months, managers reported improved communication and fewer emotional disputes. This example shows how the targeted use of aromatherapy can improve team processes.

Increase concentration through targeted aromatherapy effect

Managers have to concentrate on their work for long periods of time. Peppermint and bergamot help to maintain focus [2]. These oils gently activate the nervous system. The aromatherapy effect increases mental performance. Rosemary, cypress and lemon verbena also have a concentration-enhancing effect [5]. They are particularly suitable for strategic work phases. A scent roller before telephone conferences can be decisive.

A manager from the financial sector used a scent roller with bergamot and lavender before important teleconferences. She applied the oil to the pulse points. She did this at least five minutes before the start of the meeting. The effect was clear: her thoughts were more clearly organised. She wasted less time on distractions. Communication seemed more precise and competent. The aromatherapy effect also helped to avoid emotional reactions. A stable effect was observed over several weeks. The manager was able to structure and convey difficult content better. Other participants commented on the improved clarity in discussions.

Reduce stress with targeted aromatherapy effects

Chronic stress is part of everyday life for many leaders. In the long term, this stress damages the immune system and the psyche [4]. The aromatherapy effect offers gentle support here. Regular breaks with essential oils help to reduce stress. Lavender and camomile significantly reduce stress levels [5]. Orange and lemon lift the mood and have a revitalising effect [1]. A short break with aromatherapy support regenerates the mind.

Psychoneuroimmunology shows: Anything that reduces stress strengthens immune function [6]. The effect of aromatherapy therefore not only supports mental health. It also has a positive influence on the body's own defences. Pleasant fragrances improve the mood. This has a direct effect on immune functions [6]. Essential oils such as thyme, ravintsara and eucalyptus particularly strengthen the immune defence [5]. These oils are suitable for longer-term support.

A company in the consultancy sector implemented daily fragrance breaks. Every morning at ten o'clock, all offices diffused a special oil mix of bergamot and lavender. The management level actively participated. After six weeks, the results showed that employee satisfaction had increased. The number of sick days fell. The aromatherapy effect measurably supported the immune system. Leaders reported better stress resilience. They were able to handle conflicts more calmly. Their inner balance remained more stable, even under pressure. This demonstrates how the systematic use of aromatherapy has an impact on corporate culture.

Different ways of using the aromatherapy effect

Use inhalation and room fragrancing

Inhalation is the fastest method. The limbic system is stimulated immediately [7]. A diffuser in the meeting room spreads essential oils evenly. The aromatherapy effect unfolds subtly and continuously. Everyone present benefits from the effect. Lavender calms, rosemary invigorates, bergamot harmonises [5]. The choice depends on the requirements of the time of day. In the morning, activating oils provide support. In the afternoon, relaxing fragrances promote regeneration.

Mobile applications such as scent rollers

Scent rollers are discreet and always available. They can be carried in your pocket. Managers can use them before important moments. The aromatherapy effect is personal and immediate. A scent roller with bergamot and peppermint energises before presentations [2]. Lavender rollers calm before difficult conversations. This method has another advantage: it signals attentiveness. Others realise that the leader is consciously regulating their inner balance. This comes across as professional and competent.

Baths and skin care as an aromatherapy effect booster

Essential oils can also be applied topically [7]. They are diluted with carrier oils to avoid skin irritation. A warm bath with lavender oil after a stressful day at work promotes deep relaxation. The skin absorbs essential oils and passes them on to the body. The aromatherapy effect is intensified by the warm water and the attention to yourself. This is a form of self-care that managers often neglect. Regular baths with essential oils regenerate at night and support restful sleep.

Specific oils and their aromatherapy effect in everyday management

Lavender: the universal support

Lavender oil is versatile. It calms and relaxes at the same time [5]. At the same time, it has an anti-infectious and anti-parasitic effect [8]. The aromatherapy effect of lavender is therefore multidimensional. It helps with sleep disorders, nervousness and anxiety [4]. It is the perfect all-round oil for managers. It can be used in the morning to balance the mind and in the evening to promote sleep.

Citrus fragrances for activity and mood enhancement

Orange, lemon and grapefruit lift the mood [5]. Their aromatherapy effect is revitalising and activating. These oils are particularly suitable for afternoon lows. They support leaders in mobilising energy. Citrus scents also promote concentration [5]. Inhalation in the early afternoon can be crucial. It prevents slipping into tiredness.

Peppermint for clear thinking

Peppermint oil has an activating and cooling effect. Its aromatherapy effect supports clear, focussed thinking [5]. It also relieves headaches and muscle aches [5]. Peppermint is ideal before demanding cognitive tasks. Many managers use it before strategic planning sessions. The aromatherapy effect helps to process information more quickly.

Bergamot as an emotional stabiliser

Bergamot balances and harmonises [5]. Its aromatherapy effect is calming and uplifting at the same time. This makes it valuable in challenging situations. Bergamot helps with stress and anxiety [7]. It also helps with concentration problems and memory disorders [4]. Many managers favour bergamot in difficult phases.

Combining the effects of aromatherapy with other methods

The aromatherapy effect is potentiated by combining it with other techniques. Essential oils can be wonderfully combined with meditation [5]. Mindfulness training also increases the effects considerably. Scent rollers can be used specifically during a mindfulness ritual. The multi-sensory experience creates deeper processes [5]. This leads to more lasting changes. Massage combined with aromatherapy also has an intensive effect. The body absorbs the oil topically while the psychological effect of the fragrance takes effect. This holistic view leads to optimal results.

Important factors for optimal aromatherapy effect

The aromatherapy effect depends on several factors. Firstly, the quality of the essential oils is crucial [1]. High-quality oils show stronger and longer-lasting effects. The dosage plays an important role. Too much fragrance can be overwhelming. A subtle concentration is usually more effective. Personal acceptance of the fragrance is also critical [6]. An oil may be scientifically optimal, but if the person doesn't like it, it won't work. The frequency and regularity of use determine sustainability [6]. Occasional use shows temporary effects. Regular use leads to stable changes.

Frequent challenges with aromatherapy effects at work

Some managers report sensitivity to strong fragrances. This is completely normal. The solution is simple: choose lower concentrations. The duration of exposure can also be reduced. Some leaders have concerns about whether aromatherapy works professionally. A discreet format such as the fragrance roller helps here. Others wonder whether essential oils could disturb colleagues. This is a valid point. Consultation with the team is recommended. Some teams even develop joint favourites. Allergies can also be an issue. Here, essential oils should be chosen carefully. There are lower-allergen options. Communication with those present is crucial.

Long-term effects of the regular aromatherapy effect

Anyone who uses aromatherapy regularly will notice profound changes. The effect of aromatherapy builds up over time. Stress is gradually reduced. Immune function is demonstrably improved [6]. Essential oils from coniferous trees increase the