Fragrances may come in the form of perfumes and essential oils, which can help a person deal with stress. The area of the brain that senses smells is closely related to the area of the brain that controls our emotions, according to the Wavelengths Natural Health website. Using fragrances to help depression often is called aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy
Fragrances can lift your mood and revitalize the mind. Studies indicate that smelling lavender, for example, increases alpha brain wave frequency in the back of the brain and is associated with calmness, according to Depression-guide.com. If a person inhales the scent of jasmine, it increases the alpha waves toward the front of the brain that help a person feel more alert. There are candles, lotions, makeup, perfume and air fresheners available in these scents.
Odor Associations
Odors that are associated with negative emotions or unhappy times from the past can continue to evoke bad feelings, according to the book "Aromatherapy: a complete guide to the healing art." The book explains that fragrance can help relieve pain and affect personality and behavior. If the smell of pumpkin pie reminds you of a happy time at your grandmother's house, find a candle scented with pumpkin pie spice to lift your mood.
Fragrances to Lift Mood
The scents that are considered helpful in depression are rose, sandalwood, lavender, jasmine, peppermint, citrus, cedar wood, chamomile, geranium and ylang ylang. Look for these fragrances when buying lotion, candles, perfumes, house or car air fresheners.
Bubble Baths
Using fragrances in your bathwater also can lift your mood. Taking a warm bath at the end of day with a few drops of sage essential oil can help treat insomnia, anxiety and depression. Taking a bath in the morning with some drops of rose or lavender essential oil can lift your spirit and clear your mind. Companies that make bubble baths often use these fragrances in their products.
Drink Tea
Drinking a cup of tea each morning with an aroma to calm your mind or lift your spirit is a comforting ritual to get you ready for your day. Drink a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime to help you sleep. Citrus or peppermint tea can energize and brighten your mood anytime of day.
Massage
Get a massage and ask the massage therapist to use oils infused with acalming and uplifting fragrance--both the fragrance and the massage may dispel anxiety and depression. Ask the massage therapist for a bit of the oil that was used during the massage, when you get home place a few drops on the light bulbs of your home to diffuse the smell through out your house. When you smell the fragrance associated with your massage, you will be reminded of the same emotions of calm and well-being you had after the massage.
Warning
Aromatherapy should be used in conjunction with your doctor's advice. Seek the help of your doctor if your depression is severe and persistent.
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