Say Yes to Dress(ing up): Hope’s Hacks
March 5, 2019
How Background Noise Beats Writer’s Block
May 5, 2019
This month’s cure: Making ScentsWhat the cure is: Filling your workspace with productive smells
Why the cure will help: Nothing can turn a 500-word count goal into a meager 6 words if all you can smell is that pile of laundry in your closet that needs a good wash. Just like sights and sounds can affect one’s productivity, the same goes for scents. So get out those diffusers, those essential oils, and scented candles you’ve itched to burn (since you’ve received dozens of them at Christmas, birthdays, and bridal showers). Try these scents to see if they help you focus on that word count.
Peppermint: Yes, a tad early (or late?) for Christmas, but hey, now you can break out all those holiday-scent lotions you got yourself, or your significant other, from Bath and Body Works. Peppermint increases energy levels and can wake you right up. Wonderful for Monday mornings.
Jasmine: No, not from the Disney remake hitting movie theaters soon. This scent can not only calm you down, but it also can lift your spirits. Perfect for days when you have a stressful deadline or feel discouraged by the publishing industry as a whole.
Lemon: Like jasmine, this can calm and clear up your mind from negative thoughts. Plus, you can bake this into so many delicious treats. Why not make some lemon squares to celebrate when you hit that word count? Great for days when you feel out of sorts or wanting to boost your immune system against the latest cold going around.
Lavender: Warning! Do NOT use this on Monday mornings. For those who juggle six freelance projects at a time and need a scent to help their heart pound a little less fervently, try lavender. Make sure to monitor how much you fumigate the room with this scent. It can turn that one-hour nap into a four-hour one if not used correctly.
Rosemary: Having a hard time concentrating? Rosemary can improve one’s memory. Bonus if you write a fantasy (or any book) set in a forest. This will remind you of a wood’s atmosphere. Fantastic for days when the Writer’s Block hits hardest.
Cinnamon: Behind on projects? Work some cinnamon into a tasty breakfast treat, or just burn a cinnamon-scented candle. This increases productivity and alertness. Best for Friday afternoons when the weekend’s siren song sings loudest.
2 Comments
Hi Hope, Can I post your Making Scents article on my Facebook page?
Of course! Thank you so much for giving it a read!