Ever wonder why some scents make you feel relaxed or energized? It’s no coincidence and we have our olfactory system to thank for its intimate relationship with the brain, which affects both our memory and mood. Here are 10 scents which will enhance this system with just one whiff:
1) Lemon: Promotes concentration and allows the mind to calm especially when angry, anxious or very exhausted.
2) Cinnamon: Researchers found that those who took a whiff of cinnamon improved in cognitive functions like visual-motor response, working memory and attention span.
3) Lavender: Helps calm the mind and body almost instantly. But perhaps its most useful benefit is its ability to help treat insomnia. It has a soothing effect on nerves and can relieve nervous tension and depression as well as treat headaches and migraines.
4) Rain: The clean scent after a rainfall is partially caused by ozone cleaning away some of the scents we take for granted. The smell of rain can literally relieve stress and improve your mood by over 60%.
5) Fresh Cut Grass: Scent researchers found that a chemical released by a newly-mowed lawn can make people feel joyful and relaxed.
6) Peppermint: Try peppermint when brainstorming. An energy booster, this scent invigorates the mind, promotes concentration and stimulates clear thinking.
7) Vanilla: Researches found that taking a whiff of vanilla bean elevated participants’ feelings of joy and relaxation.
8) Rosemary: The stimulating effect of rosemary may enhance certain aspects of mental function. It also improves long-term memory, alertness and has properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue.
9) Pine: Pine decreases anxiety and alleviates stress. In one Japanese study, participants who went on a walk through pine forests reported significantly lower depression and stress levels.
10) Jasmine: Like lavender, jasmine it is also used to calm nerves, but this oil is also commonly used as an anti- depressant because of its uplifting capabilities that produce a feeling of confidence, optimism and revitalized energy.
Ref: April McCarthy of Natural Blaze
