Sophia Jones

Scents affect everyone biologically

Smells all around us affect our mood, thoughts, and feelings. Whether they are beneficial or cause harm, they all are scientifically connected to us. Scents can connect us to our memories, holidays, places, people, and much more.

One reason for the connection between our Brain and the scents we inhale is the Olfactory system. The Olfactory System directly connected to our sense of smell by interacting with odor molecules, and further sending signals to the brain. This specific system allows for us to recognize scents and react towards them emotionally. The Limbic System is responsible for the emotional part of the brain. From the olfactory system, the limbic system processes a scent and evokes a psychological response, which typically comes from past experiences with the smell. Neurotransmitters may be released due to smelling a certain scent. These neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins which can create the feelings of happiness, relaxation, and arousal.

Here are how different popular scents can affect one’s mood and release different neurotransmitters:

Lavender is useful for relaxation and calmness. It can be very effective for a good night’s rest. 

Citrus scents tend to energize and uplift people, Since it is proven they can increase alertness and improve mood.

Vanilla is a scent typically associated with relaxation and comfort, creating a cozy atmosphere. 

Peppermint is fresh, and it stimulates focus, increases alertness, and increases mental clarity.

Cinnamon is a warm scent that can create a cozy, warm, and homey atmosphere. It is known to boost alertness and focus.

These  scents and their advantages can be used for your benefit, by aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a way of healing through using extracts and essential oils to promote mental and physical well-being.  Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts. They may be used in different ways, such as in baths or through humidifiers. 

Keeping scents within your home, work, etc. can create a more peaceful, enjoyable ambiance. Scented candles are a great way to enhance your mood within a setting by emphasizing the feeling of relaxation, fueling energy, etc. There is such a variety of scents that come from candles that can create different emotional states. Many create the feeling of different holidays, such as “pumpkin spice” and “gingerbread” (Maison 21G).

One of the most common ways scents are used is through perfumes and colognes. It is important that everyone selects a scent that represents their mood well, and can also be distinct and unique to themselves. 

Rylan Stephens (10) believes that “someone’s scent is so recognizable” that whenever she “smell[s] that aroma, [she] think[s] of them.”