Your sense of smell has powerful effects on your body. Certain aromas can trigger pleasant memories and even relieve stress to help you feel more relaxed.
I bet you're stressed about a lot of things: the pandemic, your job (or lack of one), working while home schooling your kids, worrying about your finances and family, this most recent winter storm and possible lack or electricity and/or water or, God forbid, property damage. Well, you aren't the only one. Stress may be my middle name!
Better Homes & Gardens put out a list of the best relaxing scents. Some give you energy. Some help you unwind at the end of the day. And some smells you may prefer over others.
- Basil
- Bergamont
- Clary Sage
- Lavender
- Ylang-ylang
The best ways to use them are in candles, reed diffusers, and spray.
Photo: Getty/ROBERTO PERI