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 love the smell of creosote 🤣 don’t judge.. And of course nothing beats the smell of my baby. However in the home it has to be febreze spring awakening air freshener or spiced apple and cinnamon wax melts
I must admit smells are definitely the most memory inducing of all the senses, but I do struggle with smells because I get headaches from them quite easily! When cleaning I like to use citrus-y type ones as I find them so refreshing! In fact, you name it, shower products etc… Citrus for the win! More specifically, oranges/tangerines!
When I was pregnant I couldn’t get enough of the smell of the inside of Homebase! I used to visit the shop weekly and just wander around enjoying the smell! Pregnancy does crazy things to us!
A really interesting read. Smell just like music can make you nostalgic and bring back so many memories from childhood, adulthood. Personally, I love lavender especially in my bedroom. There is something so calming when you smell fresh lavender in the garden after a long walk. In the summer, lemongrass is another favourite. Fresh laundry is another wonderful fragrance. And you can’t beat the smell of warm cookies baking in the oven. Cinnamon in all its forms reminds me of Christmas. To choose one favourite is impossible!
My favourite smells are clean smells, like fresh laundry. Nothing beats getting into fresh smelling sheets!
I must agree that smells can be incredibly uplifting, and can certainly change your frame of mind. Let’s all be thankful for good smells!