Did you know your nose is capable of boosting your mood? The power of scent is often underestimated, yet a certain smell can trigger a vivid memory instantly. Think of your childhood home, your mom, or your first boyfriend, and a certain smell will come to mind. With scent being so closely tied to your emotions, why not use it to improve your mood? Wondering what to wear to increase your joy level? Read on to discover the top five scents.

Joy Oil
The essential oil company Young Living went straight to the heart and created Joy oil. This essential oil blend consists of bergamot, ylang ylang, geranium, rosewood, lemon, mandarin, jasmine, Roman chamomile, palmarosa, and rose. Rub a few drops on your heart and the magnetic energy will bring you instant joy. Try using it before yoga to open your heart or wear it as a perfume to ignite romance and togetherness.

Coconut
The tropical scent of coconut oil can relax your mind and soften your skin. The next time you’re in need of a boost, rub a bit of oil on and you can instantly transport yourself to that sunny, stress-free beach from your last tropical vacation. Want to spice it up? Add some mango. Lotions and Potions custom blends oils to create unique scents like CocoMango and HibiscusPassion. Besides selling their own creations they can also help you to concoct your very own.

Flowers
Floral scents are a natural source of mood enhancers. The scent of flowers can be tied to thoughts of spring, romance, and rejuvenation. According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, M.D., Founder and Neurological Director of The Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, roses can increase olfactory-evoked nostalgia that will bring happy moments back to memory. Jasmine is another popular scent that relaxes, uplifts, and enhances self-confidence. If you’re looking for an all-natural floral blend, try Aveda’s Pure-fume Absolute in “Love.” This scent combines jasmine, rose, and ylang ylang with a hint of sandalwood.

Citrus
Citrus scents are natural energizers. These tangy, fruity smells are refreshing and invigorating. Try lemon to lift your spirits and to help support both the nervous and the sympathetic nervous systems. Orange can kick-start your mood and fill your mind with peace and happiness. For a sensational citrus blend check out Yuzu Citrus perfume created by Lisa Fong of Artemisia Natural Perfume. This uplifting scent is a combination of Yuzu absolute (a citrus fruit from Japan), lemon verbena, honey, kadam, pink grapefruit, lemongrass, galbanum, and frankincense.

Cookies
The smell of fresh baked cookies can take you back to your carefree childhood days leaving you with that warm feeling inside, minus the calories. In fact, real estate agents have been known to bake cookies right before showing a house in order to give it that homey feeling. If you love the smell of warm baked goodies, try Philosophy’s Powdered Sugar Cookie shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. This irresistible treat will leave you clean and sweet after every shower.

~ Laci Chiodo

Photo Credits: istockphoto.com