Mental processes can be deliberately controlled – through conscious self-regulation (top-down) and through sensory stimuli such as smell (bottom-up). Both approaches are particularly powerful when combined: When cognitive techniques such as mental anchors, mindfulness, or inner authority are combined with neurobiologically effective scent stimuli, a synergistic effect is created.

Essential oils activate neurotransmitter systems such as GABA, serotonin, and dopamine via direct neural pathways ; these systems are central to mood, resilience, sleep quality, and concentration. When this effect is accompanied by conscious cognitive focus, for example through a ritual or a clear mental goal, the effect is amplified – emotionally, neurochemically, and behaviorally.

How ÆR this connection supports

ÆR's high-quality aromatherapy oils offer a sound way to integrate scent as an effective element into mental routines . The targeted combination of aroma and mental focus not only promotes clarity and balance but also creates a powerful tool for self-regulation – scientifically grounded and intuitively accessible.

Summary:

Smells act directly on the limbic system , which is responsible for emotions and memories – bypassing cognitive filters and triggering immediate moods.

Essential oils such as lavender, lemon or peppermint activate GABA, serotonin and dopamine pathways, which reduces stress, lifts mood and relieves mental exhaustion.

Mental anchors , i.e., unconscious reference points, can be set through scent stimuli – this allows emotional states to be specifically conditioned and recalled.

Mental authority and self-regulation can be strengthened through rituals with scents – for example, through mindfulness in combination with familiar aroma stimuli.

Scents combine bottom-up impulses with top-down control – thus enabling holistic control of mood, focus and well-being in everyday life.

The study basis and its key findings

What are mental anchors and how do they influence our judgments?
Mental anchors are predetermined or self-imposed reference points that systematically shift estimates in their direction because adjustments are insufficient and anchor-consistent information is favored. Studies show that the right DLPFC, the anterior cingulate cortex, and dopaminergic pathways specifically control this bias. (To summarize the study)

What is meant by mental authority and how is it related to self-regulation?
Mental authority is the ability to control one's own impulses and thoughts in such a way that long-term goals take priority – based on self-regulation. It relies on executive functions in the dlPFC and can be strengthened, for example, through mindfulness and attention exercises. (To summarize the study)

How do inhaled essential oils affect mood and mental exhaustion?
Scents like lavender, citrus, or menthol activate the GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems via the olfactory system, leading to relaxation and mood improvement, and noticeably reducing stress and mental fatigue. (To summarize the study)

How does inhaling essential oils improve sleep quality and recovery the next day?
Lavender and sweet orange modulate limbic neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin) via olfactory pathways, improving both objective and subjective sleep parameters and reducing stress, thus leading to more effective regeneration the following day. (To summarize the study)

How do essential oils improve everyday mood and emotional well-being?
Through direct olfactory stimulation, scents like lavender, bergamot, or peppermint influence the limbic system, thus improving mood, stress resistance, and concentration. This can easily be integrated into daily life via diffusers or personal inhalation. (To summarize the study)

How does the inhalation of essential oils increase athletic performance and mental clarity?
Oils like peppermint and citrus activate dopamine and serotonin pathways, increasing alertness, reducing fatigue, and boosting physiological efficiency – as demonstrated by endurance, jumping ability, and lung function. (See study summary .)

Key Learning:

Mental processes can be specifically controlled both top-down through self-regulation and inner authority (executive control in the dlPFC) and bottom-up through olfactory stimuli. Mental anchors and authority demonstrate that self-leadership is trainable, while inhaled essential oils modulate GABA, serotonin, and dopamine systems via direct neural pathways to improve mood, stress resilience, sleep, and cognitive performance.

How ÆR this complements and supports

AER 's high-quality, pure essential oils offer an ideally dosed and controlled inhalation method to optimally activate the described neurochemical mechanisms. By providing products for targeted application (diffusers, personal inhalers), AER strengthens self-regulation, alleviates mental fatigue, promotes restful sleep, and enhances focus and mood—precisely where science demonstrates the greatest benefits.

References

Li, J., Yin, X., Li, D., Liu, X., Wang, G., & Qu, L. (2017). Controlling the Anchoring Effect through Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex. Frontiers in Psychology, 8:1079. Frontiers

Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment under uncertainty: Heuristics and biases. Science, 185(4157), 1124–1131.

Friedman, N.P., & Robbins, T.W. (2022). The role of executive function and cognitive control in self-regulation. Annual Review of Psychology, 73, 513–539.

Tang, YY, Hölzel, BK, & Posner, MI (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(4), 213–225.

Heydari, N. et al. (2018). Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 32 .

Matsumoto, T. et al. (2014). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 20(6) .

Lin, P., Lee, P., Tseng, S., Lin, Y., Chen, S., & Hou, W. (2019). Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 45, 156–166. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229919303735

Han, X., et al. (2017). Bergamot essential oil inhalation improves positive feelings in mental health treatment settings. Phytotherapy Research, 31(5), 812-816. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5806

Komiya, M., et al. (2006). Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating neurotransmitter activities. Behavioral Brain Research, 172, 240–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2006.05.006

State of the art and major clinical outcomes of the use of essential oils in the performance of athletes: a systematic review. (2023). International Journal of Nutrology. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367568499