Your sense of smell is one of the most powerful things you can experience. Not only do certain smells bring back distinct memories, but they can also heighten or alter your mood. It's pretty amazing how the human body adapts and responds to certain changes, and scent definitely influences this.
Aromatherapy has been around for a long time, but it seems to have hit its stride in recent years. Today, it seems like essential oils, candles, and other scent-producing products are very popular with renters. It makes sense: These agents have the power to put you in a better mood within minutes, something we all need from time to time.
What's more, these smells could even allow you to stay healthy.
One of these influences is keeping grumpiness at bay. If you're curious about which scents can positively impact your mood and focus, read below:
Jasmine
This beautiful flower isn't just nice to look at, it can also give you the ability to enjoy a sense of calm, as it has proven to relax nerves and alleviate tension. We all know that stress is a direct result of a bad mood, and vice-versa.
According to BrightNest, research has shown that jasmine can allow you to get a better night's sleep, too. More sleep and less stress? This one's a no-brainer.
Peppermint
Because mint is so refreshing in desserts and cocktails, it should come as no surprise that peppermint essential oils and candles have been linked to invigoration and more energy. This is why a lot of people tend to use peppermint oils in soaps and shampoos, as it's a great way to wake up in the morning and get ready to take on the day.
Lavender
This beautiful purple plant has been linked to calm and tranquility for centuries. In fact, smelling lavender is connected to a decreased heart rate. If you're having one of "those days," a few drops of lavender-infused essential oil or salts in your bubble bath can melt away the stress of the day instantly. Lavender essential oils can also be added to your laundry, meaning you can carry the calm-inducing scent with you all day long!
As an added bonus, lavender is a beautiful plant for decorating, so putting a vase of lavender flowers in your bedroom or living room could help you feel a sense of calm as you wind down for the evening, too.
Cinnamon
This tasty spice is usually associated with sweet baked treats and the holidays, but cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for quite some time. In fact, a study conducted by Wheeling Jesuit University showed that cinnamon positively impacted memory skills, attention spans, and visual-motor response. Adding some cinnamon in your morning coffee could be just the thing to get you ready for work in the morning.
Pine
As another holiday-time scent, pine is known giving us that sense of comfort and warmth once the weather gets cold and icy. It's no wonder either, as the scent has been linked to reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. This means you should light that pine-scented candle not just during the holidays, but year round as well!
Vanilla
Is there anything more comforting (and hunger-inducing) than the smell of fresh vanilla bean? Vanilla is a wonderful, all-natural addition to your favorite sweets and breads, but it's also known to boost happiness.
In fact, according to a study published in Chemical Senses, vanilla is linked to joy and relaxation. Whenever you're throwing a party or getting some friends together, vanilla essential oils or candles could be the perfect addition.
Rosemary
This herb is used in a plethora of recipes, but it's also a known mood booster. According to Entrepreneur, rosemary has been connected to pain relief and can battle mental exhaustion and fatigue, and even headaches. When the workweek gets the most of you, rosemary could be the perfect all-natural solution.
Citrus
Whether it's lemon, orange, or grapefruit essential oils, adding these to your daily routine can work wonders for your immune system. Citrus has long been an all-natural fighter of viruses and bacteria -- especially for colds and sore throats -- so this could be just the thing for those times when you're feeling a little tired or run down.