How Our Sense of Smell Affects Our Moods
Our sense of smell is very powerful. Studies have shown that our brains share common structures to process both odors and emotions. This commonality allows odors to modulate our moods, the way that we process information and, to some extent, our behavior. (1) Our sense of smell is very sensitive and we can use that knowledge to help us reduce anxiety, create a feeling of safety and so much more. Let’s explore popular scents that you can incorporate into your home, office and car.
Scents Produce Different Results
Increase Focus/Concentration
Essential oils have actually been shown to improve one’s focus and concentration over time.(2) I prefer a peppermint zinger to get my brain alert, but here are some other ones that you can try:
- Basil. This scent was put to the test back in 2012 and found to improve mental alertness by 21% when used continuously over a three week time period.
- Patchouli. This scent has been tested and the results show that it naturally relieves stress when applied to the temples of the head. Having less stress allows our brains to focus on the task in front of us.
- Rosemary. Used in aromatherapy to improve thinking ability and mental alertness.
- Sage. This oil is thought to enhance memory and thinking ability. Researchers are so intrigued by its attributes that feel it deserves more attention as it may contain a compound that might prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Help You Sleep
We’ve all experienced restless nights, but were you aware that adding this fragrance in the bedroom may relax you enough to fall into a restful slumber? (3) Here are a few scents to consider:
- Lavender. This is a well-known scent that helps relax the body and reduce anxiety.
- Vanilla. Aside from it’s delicious smell, vanilla has been shown to lower the body’s heart rate and blood pressure when released into a room.
- Jasmine. Looking for a good night’s sleep? Then this is the scent for you. According to tests, people who inhaled the fragrance experienced a deeper sleep, less movement and better quality of rest!
Bring Back Good Memories
- Apple Oak reminds me of those apple pies I mentioned a moment ago. It’s like a blend of MacIntosh and Granny Smith apples with a bit of orange, peach and pineapple scents mixed in to really bring the scent to life.
- Banana Nut Bread. Well, enough said. It’s hard to improve on this delicious aroma. It’s like you’ve just removed the bread loaf from the oven and are waiting for it to cool. The scent is amazing and makes me feel like home.
- Pumpkin Chia. I’m a loyal apple pie consumer, but the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange peel with a hint of clove and black tea reminds me of crisp autumn days and Halloween preparations.
Ways to Incorporate These Scents Into Your Life
- Aromatherapy Necklace: Some people have found that adding an essential oil to their necklace helps them remain calm and reduces stress.
- Soaps: Showering in your favorite scent is one way to get your day off to a great start.
- Diffuser: Diffuser kits with natural reeds will disperse the scent for months. As a matter of fact nowadays you can find quite a few unique diffusers such as CBD, pet diffusers, as well as traditional floral scents.
- Highly Scented Candles: Highly scented candles give off the scent even when they are not lit. For this reason, many people have highly scented soy candles simply for the decorative effect they provide. You can order candles in the scents that you prefer in a variety of sizes such as tea lights, tins, tumblers, jars and unique containers.