Key Takeaways:
- Certain smells can influence your mood through brain connections.
- Scents like lavender, vanilla, citrus, and jasmine are known to promote happiness.
Ever wonder why certain smells seem to instantly lift your mood? We’ve got an explanation! Today, we’re exploring four feel-good fragrances that not only smell incredible but also give you a mental boost.
How Do Scents Affect Mood?
Believe it or not, there’s a scientific explanation as to why scents change the way you feel.
When you smell something, tiny scent particles travel into your nose and reach smell detectors called olfactory receptors. Then, signals get sent to your olfactory bulb, a part of your brain linked to memory and emotion.
That’s why a familiar scent, like the sweet smell of vanilla or the zesty aroma of citrus, can improve your mood and bring back joyful memories.
What Scents Make You Happy?
Thanks to this connection between smell and emotion, there are certain aromas more likely to put you in a positive mood. Here are some of our top picks for scents that make you happy
1. Citrus
Citrus is an uplifting scent reminiscent of sunshine and cleanliness. A whiff of this fresh fruitiness can trigger positive emotions and a mental pick-me-up.
We love Citrus Circus, a scent that will keep you feeling energized all day long. This bright citrus fragrance features a playful combination of warm woods, ocean air, creamsicle accord, grapefruit, lime zest, and more.
2. Lavender
Lavender is most popular for its calming effects. The smell of lavender can help to lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and allowing you to feel happier than before.
Choose peace with Gentle Reminder. The second fragrance designed by mindfulness teacher Alex Elle, Gentle Reminder is a lavender scent that keeps you at ease with the soothing aromas of milk froth, black tea, purple ube, and a hint of lavender.
3. Jasmine
Jasmine is a sweet scent commonly used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and increase alertness. The floral aroma is also associated with love and romance.
Treat yourself to Pacifico. Perfect for the summertime, this summer perfume takes you on a wild ride up the West Coast. The scent stack includes smells of salted jasmine, California oak, sage, and rosemary.
4. Vanilla
Vanilla is one of the most easily identifiable scents. The sweet, comforting smell triggers memories of ice cream on summer days and baking over the holidays.
Increase your feelings of joy by using Vanilla Vice. This soft serve-inspired fragrance features a rich base of ice cream, Madagascar vanilla, amberwood, musk, and orcanax, topped with sparkling sugar and jasmine.
FAQs
Can scents change your mood?
Yes, but not directly. When your olfactory system sends signals to your brain, it can trigger a hormone release and increase the production of dopamine.
What scents boost mood?
Citrus, lavender, jasmine, and vanilla are a few scents that may help boost your mood and make you feel happy.
Put Some Pep in Your Step
By choosing the right perfume, you can intentionally boost your mood throughout the day. Selecting a fragrance known to reduce stress and increase happiness is a simple, stylish way to put some pep in your step.
Sources:
Olfactory Receptor | Britannica
The Olfactory Bulb - Neuroscience | NCBI Bookshelf
How scent, emotion, and memory are intertwined — and exploited | Harvard Gazette