At Giraffe we are all about doing things that make you feel good. We think that scent plays such a strong role in our moods we decided to share them with you. Scent can recall fond memories, soothe a weary spirit, invigorate and bring focus to a cluttered mind. Scents that surround us can be used to help make us feel beautiful year-round.
What can be more instantly warming than the smell of cinnamon and cloves, or more intoxicating than the bouquet of fresh-picked roses? Such naturally appealing scents are instant mood-lifters. The aroma of a room can make a huge difference to your mood, and can affect the way guests feel in your home. Today we are sharing our favorite scents and how they can affect your mood in a positive way!
What Scents Do For Your Mind and Body
There are a variety of essential plant oils that you can use. Depending on which oil is used, the distilled essences of these oils can be either stimulating or relaxing. Experiment with your favorites to create your own unique home scent. Pour a few drops into your bath water or add to a diffuser or warming pot to fill a room and create your own perfect ambience.
Lavender:
Lavender tops the favorites lists for most aromatherapy enthusiasts. Lavender has a soothing effect on nerves and can relieve nervous tension and depression.
Try: In a mister, add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of water and spray pillows and sheets for a good night’s sleep.
Lemon:
Lemon’s pungent, strong scent awakens you and refreshes you. This scent aids focus with its clarifying properties.
Orange:
In addition to its invigorating scent, orange oil is used therapeutically as an antidote for sluggish moods.
Bergamot:
Fruity, sweet, warm and spicy, Bergamot is useful for uplifting spirits and stress reduction.
Try: In your morning shower, add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil to a hot, wet washcloth.
Rosemary:
Improves mental alertness making it an excellent pick-me-up at the end of a tiring day. Rosemary has stimulating properties that fight exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue.
Grapefruit:
Has balancing and mood-boosting properties.
Geranium:
Calming and balancing, and useful to help relieve anxiety, tension and restlessness. An earthy scent that’s said to soothe the emotions and focus the mind.
Try: Make an uplifting massage oil by adding 5 to 10 drops essential oil to 1 ounce of grape seed oil
Ginger:
Used to combat loneliness and depression, ginger is a zippy, woody scent with a hint of lemon and pepper.
Marjoram:
A warm, spicy tone with an essence of nutmeg, marjoram is warming and comforting.
Try: A few drops in a vaporizer or on a handkerchief placed under your pillow will encourage restful sleep.
Jasmine:
Jasmine is used to calm nerves, and commonly used as an anti-depressant because of its uplifting capabilities that produce a feeling of confidence, optimism and revitalized energy.
Cinnamon:
The stimulating properties in cinnamon can help fight mental fatigue and improve concentration and focus.
Peppermint:
A true energy booster, this scent invigorates the mind, promotes concentration and stimulates clear thinking.
To create your own delicious scents, try these great tips from our friends at The Yummy Life.