The Power of Scents
I just got my second COVID vaccine and after a good 48 hours of chills and body aches followed by extreme fatigue, I’m grateful to science that I am 2 weeks away from being fully protected. Everything we’ve been through this past year with the pandemic, the one resounding thing that is needed is calm. A pause in the day to make space to breathe, connect and let all the stresses melt away.
That may seem far-fetched given our daily responsibilities, but one simple thing we can do in starting on that path is to take in the power of scents. Of all five senses, the smell is the one most closely linked to emotion and memory.
Imagine yourself at a luxurious spa. The music is calming, the energy is soothing, and no one is asking you for a snack, a meeting, or if you got that email. Now is the time to relax and just be. If you’re ready to take that olfactory journey, check out my favorite fragrances that invoke a spa-like, relaxed vibe that will calm the mind. Then get on Amazon (or better yet, buy from a local and/or small business- they would appreciate it much more) and order some candles or diffusers with oils.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular scents for relaxing and falling asleep. The scent helps release tension, soothe a racing mind and help settle down after a long day. It’s also one of the most popular essential oils and can be found in a ton of skincare products for its amazing benefits. Pick up some dried lavender from the farmers market the next time you go.
Combinations: Lavender + Blue Cedar, Lavender + Bergamot + Grapefruit, Lavender + Eucalyptus
Rosemary
Rosemary is a special scent that is both energizing and relaxing, seeing how it’s in the same family as mint. If you’re looking to improve concentration while also reducing stress, try rosemary. It’s my all-time favorite and instantly reminds me of being in a luxurious spa. There are many spa-inspired skin products like Yonka that use rosemary.
Combinations: Rosemary + Eucalyptus
Jasmine
A sweet floral scent known for its calming properties, Jasmine is a popular one and used in spas but also in skincare. If you can find a candle with pure jasmine essential oil, the slightly sweet scent is a game changer. If tired and stressed, light a candle with this scent for relaxation.
Combinations: Jasmine + Lemon Flower + Green Tea
Vanilla
There are so many different variations of vanilla, but if you can get your hands on the pure essential oil in a candle, you’re golden. It’s the ultimate comfort scent that takes you to a safe and warm place. It has a ton of calming properties that sometimes go unnoticed and smells amazing.
Combinations: Vanilla + Peppermint, Vanilla + Sandalwood
Citrus
Citrus is super common in spas because of its clean and fresh notes. While it’s more well-known for increasing alertness and energy, it can also create feelings of happiness, which is why spas love it. When citrus is paired with other calming scents, the result can leave you feeling calm and renewed.
Combinations: Grapefruit + Mandarin + Mint
There is no denying we could all use a little calm in our lives right now. Spas have a way of providing that sense of ease and relaxation we all crave.
Aromatherapy does wonders to help relax and rejuvenate. For some awesome spa-scented candles that can lift you up or calm you down, check out my blog post on Zulily!
