How scents can affect our mood
What’s your favourite smell? Maybe it’s freshly-cut grass, the saltiness of the sea at the beach, maybe it’s even your favourite Zoflora!
More so than other senses, smelling our favourite scent can trigger positive moods and release endorphins into our system. It’s no coincidence that estate agents suggest brewing coffee and baking bread in order to entice potential buyers when selling your house.
But what impact do different smells have on our mood and can different scents improve our day-to-day life?
Citrus: The citrusy scent of oranges, lemons and bergamot can help you to feel more energised and boost your alertness. As well as this, they are extremely good for cleaning and sanitising as they contain the natural solvent d-limonene so are a popular choice of scent for cleaning products.
Peppermint: Peppermint is a natural stimulant which can increase your ability to concentrate during times of mental fatigue or stress. It also gives a cooling sensation from its high proportion of menthol, which explains why it is often used in shampoos and shower gels, and contains antibacterial properties.
Lavender: For anyone who struggles to sleep, lavender is known to be a calming smell which can relax our body and mind, making it ideal for those with insomnia. Many people choose to put lavender in with their laundry or in their airing cupboard to give a soothing scent to clothes and linen too.
Vanilla: Not just in ice cream, vanilla is frequently used in perfumes and is associated with warmth and softness. The smell of vanilla is also known to be a natural aphrodisiac that induces euphoria and relaxation.
So whether it's the scent you use in your cleaning products or lighting a scented candle before bed, why not see if a different smell makes a difference around your home.
Written by staff writer: Laura Dew // www.linkedin.com/in/laura-dew-0b71b85a
I’ll tell you what isnt my favourite smell! Hubby’s bottom wind!!!
My favourite smell is a weird one! The smell of rain! It’s so refreshing and surprisingly calming! The best is when it’s been dry and then it rains, everyone knows what smell I mean but it makes me feel calm and grounded. Like all our troubles wash away.
I have 2. My first favourite scent is citrus and eucalyptus. They smell so fresh and clean, they make me feel completely at peace and refreshed. They give me energy, lighten my mood and make me incredibly happy.
The second favourite scent I have is, strangely enough, a beef roast cooking. Its strange because I am vegan! The reason I love this smell is because every Christmas my mum makes a beef roast for my families Christmas Dinner. It reminds me of walking into the house, the warmth of the Christmas love and togetherness with my family. I love Christmas for that reason. :) thank you for listening.
My most favourite smell is the smell of faint aftershave (Dior Sauvage) on the neck of my boyfriend after returning home from work and cuddling him. It makes me feel content, safe and Knowing i can finally relax :) x
I wonder if the rain about to start will be ever be replicated or even when it has just stopped raining! (Sigh) lovely smell!!!