Knowledge bomb: Your sense of smell is the most sensitive and strongest of all senses, sending messages through the olfactory system and communicating with the brain, signaling which emotions to feel. Scents and emotions are woven together in the brain with memories, and we can harness this powerful tool to enhance our moods at any time.
Another reason to do laundry: the scent of freshly changed sheets topped a study of 50 mood boosters.
Scents are most effective in their purest states; essential oils, applied directly to the skin, in a diffuser, or candle are your best bet for getting the maximum effect.
Here’s a quick guide to scents that can uplift and destress.
Uplift - These scents can boost your mood and improve focus:
- Citrus (lemon, lime, and grapefruit)
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
Calm - these scents are great for bedtime or anytime you need to destress:
- Rose
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Sandalwood
If using essential oils for the first time, dab on wrists or palms and breathe in deeply. For a DIY diffuser, add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and let the air fill with the scent of your choice. Have fun with it and explore mixing scents (lemon and rosemary make a great pair).
Which scent brings you to your happy place? Let us know in the comments!
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