Smells for improving well-being

Well-being: the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy. 

You know, fragrance is a funny, beautiful thing that helps to create healthy, happy minds and make people comfortable – the very essence of well-being. Well, if the scent or fragrance is a nice one that is maybe!

We have previously discussed that our olfactory response is closely linked to the emotional ‘department’ of our brain – a simple whiff of an aroma can be the trigger for all sorts of emotions.

Smell is the sensation that’s in tune with past experiences. The smell of rain can make us reminisce about a particular moment, in the same way a smell of a tropical drink can bring you back to a previous exotic adventure (as we shiver away in winter, yes please!).

Aside from memories however, specific fragrances or aromas can do wonders for our well-being and can improve our comfort levels or even our health. So, with the new year bringing all sorts of resolutions about improved health in particular, what fragrances have we found that can help?

Scents that help well-being

Lavender | can help with sleep

A ‘go to’ scent for relaxation – can help calm the mind and body. A study found that it can even help treat insomnia in students. Research of 42 college women found that the fragrance helped sleep issues and depression in the participants.

Cinnamon | can sharpen the mind

Want to boost your brain power? Perhaps introduce cinnamon to your environment. Some research suggests that athletes who took a sniff of cinnamon improved in cognitive functions like working memory and concentration levels.

Citrus | can increase energy levels

Why have a coffee when you can have citrus? Lemon and orange are well-known for their Vitamin C but one smell of citrus fruit can be found to increase energy levels and alertness.

Vanilla | can improve your mood

Got the January, post-Christmas and New Year blues? Perhaps try experiencing Vanilla more and you could find your mood improves. Vanilla has been found to elevate feelings of joy and relaxation.

Peppermint | can help with concentration

Not only does Peppermint improve the smell of your breath, but it may also assist your brain. A study by Wheeling Jesuit University found that smelling peppermint could be linked to better cognitive stamina, motivation and help invigorate the mind.

Apples | can stop migraines in their tracks

Can this fruit really give truth to the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”? The smell of an apple is linked with helping to reduce the effects of a migraine, so maybe it could, yes.

One study showed that those who liked the scent had a noticeable reduction in headache symptoms as well as shortened migraine episodes when exposed to it. So, how do you like those apples?!

So the next time you’re looking to improve your well-being or kick start a happier, healthier you, perhaps consider if having these scents in your surroundings will help that.