How scents affect our mood?

We get connected to the world through our different senses, among which the sense of smell plays a rather important part in directing our behaviors. However, most of the time, we wouldn’t realize that. We just feel good and think that it is all because of something we touch or see. How does this happen, really?

Every minute, odor molecules are penetrating through the olfactory cleft until it reaches the olfactory bulb in our brain. It is a region quite close to the hippocampus, part of a network called the limbic system and an area in charge of processing feelings and reacting.

The hippocampus also manages to turn short-term memories into long-term memories. When we come to sniff a certain scent that is stored in our memory, our brain will be reminded by the scenes and emotions involved with it. For instance, the smell of fresh-baked cookies may remind you of your happy childhood times with your mom, while for someone else, this smell may just be related to his or her experiences in the bakery store. Therefore, we now learn that scents and emotions are closely related and this connection is of high individuality.

Considering the relations between scents and emotional responses, many business activities and advertising campaigns tend to create a pleasant-smelling environment to boost sales, or to use a certain aroma to establish a unique brand impression. The same is true in the workplace and at home. Studies show that good smells will affect the part of the brain and lead to high productivity. As is the usual case, employees working in an all-around fragrant and happy environment will have more active brain activity. For our everyday life, on the other hand, choosing an essential oil with the right scent will help us get refreshed. Here are what we recommend:

Lemon. Lemon contains antiviral and antibacterial properties which can fight against colds and help build body’s immune system. If you are feeling angry or going through depression, try this scent to calm yourself down.

Jasmine. Jasmine is also used as an anti-depressant, because it sends out a feeling of confidence, optimism, and energy. Similar to lavender, it can alleviate tension and treat headaches and migraines.

Peppermint. Peppermint is a very refreshing aroma and its scent is so intense to be used as an energy booster for brainstorming. For general use, peppermint leaves you more concentrated and stimulates clear thinking.

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