HAVE SOME SCENTS
Just like a blast of cold before you get out of the shower and taking your bra off at the end of the day, scent has the ability to invigorate and energise. Get to know the aromas that can help you up your game with a single sniff
Up your game with an energising whiff of one of these buzzy fragrances
It’s one of the few senses that’s already fully developed by the time you’re born – and exists not to sniff out a garlic dough ball at 50 paces, but to help you ward off danger. We’re talking about your sense of smell.
And while it may have evolved to alert you to predators, these days, researchers are more inclined to investigate how smells can be used to change your mood.
Your brain processes odour molecules differently from the other senses. Instead of going via the cerebral cortex where language is processed – as with touch, sight et al – smell signals travel directly from olfactory receptors in your nose to your temporal lobe, no messing about.
Ask an expert to explain the process behind the power of scents to reboot the body’s energy levels and they’ll hit you Sheldon Cooper-style with talk of G-proteins and the piriform cortex. More interesting is that certain scents can fire up signals and open channels between cells that promote the production of neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin, responsible for stress management and happiness.
‘All but a few human responses are learned – how we relate to and are impacted by scent included,’ says Professor Charles Spence, head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at Oxford University. ‘It means that for some smells, your reaction is down to past exposure and whether that led to reward or a different consequence.’ So, the whiff of coffee gives you a boost because your brain links it to the caffeine you’ll soon buzz off. And a certain perfume makes you glum because it’s the one you wore while in a troubling relationship. But when it comes to energising scents, putting it down solely to personal exposure doesn’t paint a full picture.
‘It raises a question about aromatherapy for the masses, and why it is that certain scents – say peppermint and lime – are known to increase alertness, while fragrances like lavender can have a calming effect,’ continues Professor Spence. ‘It could be a matter of convention. That everyone has been socialised to believe these scents have particular effects.’ An example lies in the fragrance of the heliotrope flower, which Professor Spence says relaxes participants in his lab experiments. ‘We theorise that’s due to the fact that they recall it being familiar, not because they have prior knowledge of the flower but because it’s a key note in baby powder, which harks back to the soothing environment of childhood.’
But there’s also an argument that, ever the team player, smell works with your other senses, like taste and sight, to produce a boost akin to waking up to find your fake tan has developed flawlessly. The fiery hit of wasabi on your tongue translates into the power of its smell; the vivid hue of an orange renders its fragrance revitalising.
These effects of fragrance on your mood and behaviour can play out more subliminally, too. Take lemon, for example. ‘The link between this scent and cleanliness is well established through many household products fragranced with lemon (likely because its acid content helps to dissolve dirt) and studies have shown participants who smell lemon tend to keep their environments cleaner, even when they’re not aware of the scent being present,’ explains Dr Mark Moss, head of psychology at Northumbria University. ‘The aroma “nudges” you subconsciously by actioning the existing link in the brain between lemon and clean. As such, a similar under-the
radar process may be possible for other aspects of mood.’
So, for those in need of some pep, where should you turn? Studies by the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in Iran have shown peppermint to possess energy-boosting qualities, helping athletes to run faster, perform more press-ups and even improve grip strength. ‘It decreases blood pressure and heart rate and increases respiratory function,’ explains Professor Gaby Badre, neuroscientist and scientific adviser to beauty brand This Works. Citrus – lemon, bergamot, orange and grapefruit – is a key family for energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine practitioner John Tsagaris: ‘The smell of citrus can reboot the immune system and reset neuroendocrine hormone levels, as well as altering dopamine and serotonin neuron activity and noradrenaline levels.’ All of which contribute to positive emotions and elevated energy.
The way you interact with fragrance is down to you, whether you prefer applying a scent directly to your skin or have it infuse the air around you. Perfumer Roja Dove advises to spray little and often; ‘Citrus is mainly used in the top notes of fragrance, which means the burst of energy is shortlived.’ Try carrying a miniature spray for regular top-ups or use an aromatic hand cream. If you like the idea of scenting your space, turn to a candle brand that uses natural ingredients or try one of the next-gen electric diffusers that wake you with moodenhancing smells. An energy boost delivered by your olfactory system? Consider it on the nose.