Part 2: Curating Your Flow State – The Art of Scent Anchoring
Introduction
Last week, we hit the reset button on our March brain-fog. Now that the air is clear, the real challenge begins: consistency.
How many times have you sat down at your desk with the best intentions, only to find yourself twenty minutes deep into a YouTube rabbit hole, craving snacks or organizing your junk drawer? For me its a lot, so to beat the "March Slump," we need to do more than just try to focus—we need to prime our environment for a Flow State.
A Quick Safety Note
It’s important to point out a few safety notes in mind and ensure that they are followed mindfully.
Some essential oils such as Rosemary and Eucalyptus are reported to have properties that can trigger those living with Epilepsy, so caution is very important and avoid or speak to your doctor if you are unsure.
Where possible alternative essential oils are suggested for use if you’re unable to use Rosemary, but do NOT risk using any ingredient if you are unsure.
Essential oils must never be used on your skin without being diluted in a carrier oil, and must never be ingested or taken internally. In the event that essential oils get onto your skin, wash off immediately with warm water and your usual soap and monitor for any affects. If in the eyes, rinse a few times with milk and seek medical advice immediately.
This article is for educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always be mindful of safety with everything you make, and remember:
If in doubt, Check it out.
What is "Scent Anchoring"?
Your brain is a master of association. If you usually scroll on your phone in bed, your brain associates your pillow with scrolling. If you want to master your productivity, you can use aromatherapy to create a "Work Trigger."
By using a specific, unique scent only when you are working, you create a Pavlovian response. This basically means that by using the fragrance blend regularly, you can bypass and rewire the part of you brain that is procrastinating into creating a habit using the fragrance as the trigger. Eventually, the moment you catch a whiff of that blend, your brain flips a switch and says, "Oh, I know this smell—it’s time to get things done.”
In a book by James Clear (2018) he explains that by designing the environment to make the cues for good habits openly visible and unavoidable, it enables individuals to maintain the momentum to develop the new behaviours into new habits. This can be done in a variety of ways; whether you’re using a habit tracker, specific intentions or environment design. For the purposes of this post, I focused on the concept of environmental design. Keeping your passive diffuser visible on your desk will encourage you to use it regularly, and form the trigger that we mentioned above.
The "Flow State" Trio
For mid-March, we want scents that are grounding yet uplifting—oils that help you stay seated and productive without feeling "jittery."
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia): Unlike Lemon, which is sharp and wakeful, Bergamot is citrusy but sophisticated. It’s known for reducing work-related anxiety and building confidence.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Often called the "oil of renewal." It is excellent for mental fatigue and that specific type of "burnout" that happens mid-morning.
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi): High in limonene, it provides a bright, cheerful energy that keeps the "spring mentality" alive even on rainy March afternoons.
Basil essential oil has a history of being a potential seizure trigger. It is best to avoid this essential oil if you live with Epilepsy. Good alternatives you can use would include Frankincense (Boswellia Cartii) or Sandalwood (Santalum album).
DIY Project: The Desk-Side Passive Diffuser
We’re going to create a Passive Diffuser!
Unlike an electric diffuser that fills the whole house, a passive diffuser creates a personal "scent bubble" around your desk. It’s subtle, constant, and won't overwhelm your family or room-mates.
What You’ll Need:
A "Base": Unglazed terracotta clay disks, lava rocks in a small wooden bowl, or even a large, porous pine cone.
The "Deep Work" Blend:
6 drops Bergamot
4 drops Grapefruit
2 drops Basil or other choice (a little goes a long way!)
Instructions:
Place your chosen base (clay disk or lava rocks) on a small coaster at your desk.
Drip the essential oils directly onto the porous surface.
Let the oil soak in for a minute.
The Rule: Only put this diffuser on your desk when you are ready to start your "Deep Work" session. When you're done, put it in a drawer or a lidded tin to "turn off" the anchor.
The "Flow" Tip: Pair it with a Ritual
To make this anchoring even stronger, pair your scent with a physical action. Drip your oils, put on your "focus" playlist, and take one deep breath. Over the next week, notice how much faster you settle into your tasks.
Next week, in our final instalment, we’re moving from the desk to the door. We’ll be crafting a "Pulse Point" Motivation Roller to help you take that energy out into the world!
References and Further Reading
If you’d like to read more about this topic, take a look at the articles below.
🍊 Bergamot: The "Work-Stress" Balancer
Hung, C., Lin, Y., Chou, C., Wang, C. (2023). “Efficacy of Aromatherapy at Relieving the Work-Related Stress of Nursing Staff from Various Hospital Departments during COVID-19” [online] available at: Efficacy of Aromatherapy at Relieving the Work-Related Stress of Nursing Staff from Various Hospital Departments during COVID-19 - PMC
🌿 Basil: The "Natural Nootropic"
Talaei, M. et al. (2025). “Basil (Ocimum basilicum) to Alleviate Anxiety in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial”, [online] Available at: Basil (Ocimum basilicum) to Alleviate Anxiety in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial - PMC
🧪 The Psychology of "Scent Anchoring"
Clear, J. (2018). “Atomic Habits” [online] at: How To Start New Habits That Actually Stick
🍇 Grapefruit: The "Sympathetic Zing"
Kawai, E. et al. (2020) “Increase in diastolic blood pressure induced by fragrance inhalation of grapefruit essential oil is positively correlated with muscle sympathetic nerve activity”, [online] available at: Increase in diastolic blood pressure induced by fragrance inhalation of grapefruit essential oil is positively correlated with muscle sympathetic nerve activity - PMC
Nagai, K., Niijima, A., Horii, Y., Shen, J., Tanida, M. (2014), “Olfactory stimulatory with grapefruit and lavender oils change autonomic nerve activity and physiological function”, [online] Available at: Olfactory stimulatory with grapefruit and lavender oils change autonomic nerve activity and physiological function - PubMed
PS. please let me know if I’ve misspelled any names in my references so I can correct them, Thanks.
