Feeling sad? These smells will perk you up, according to science

Let’s face it, quarantine has made all of us hit our all-time lows. Sadness is a bottomless pit as it is, but loneliness and isolation made it all the more deeper.  

While these scents are far from being the solution to our major life problems, they provide a momentary respite from sadness – and sometimes, a little push is all we need to plow through. 

If you’re looking for a picker-upper, these uplifting smells have a good chance of raising your spirits, according to science. 

1. Pine

Pine, which is typically linked with the winter holidays, has been proven to help people relax.

Research performed at Kyoto University in Japan looked at the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” and discovered that participants' sadness and anxiety levels were considerably lower on days when they went through pine-filled woods. 

Pine is often used as a fragrance note in some popular men’s fragrances like Lacoste Red Style in Play and Nautica Blue. 

2. Citrus

Try smelling some citrus if you're in need of a pick-me-up. Citrus notes, like bergamot, orange, and lemon, have been found to enhance energy and alertness, and studies have shown that they may relieve stress and make a favorable impression on others.

We tend to connect citrus scents as clean and pleasant due to almost 50 years of advertising and marketing efforts for home products.  

Experience the revitalizing effect of citrus in fragrances like Azzaro Chrome and Lacoste Touch of Pink. 

3. Sunscreen 

You're not alone if the scent of sunscreen conjures up images of sunny beach days and tropical vacations. The pleasant benefits of this smell stem from its association with stress-free holiday time when you're usually more calm and joyful than normal. 

4. Freshly-cut grass

Need to turn a frown upside down? Mowing the lawn should be at the top of your to-do list, if only because Australian researchers discovered that a chemical produced by newly cut grass may make individuals feel more calm and even happy.

They've even created a spray-on cologne using the smell. The scent is so strong that it is supposed to protect you from mental deterioration as you become older.

Get your zen on with grass-infused fragrances like Carolina Herrera 212 Men and Clean Fresh Laundry. 

5. Flowers

The old adage, "stop and smell the roses" speaks the truth. Lavender is well-known for its soothing properties, which include relieving insomnia and depression, while jasmine has also been found to turn people less grumpy.

Enjoy the dark-cloud busting effects of floral scents in fragrances like Coach Floral Blush and Burberry Weekend Women. 

6. Rosemary

Rosemary, which is mostly used as a flavoring, has been found to boost mental performance. The herby fragrance of the plant improved participants' capacity to recall complicated events and activities, according to studies, and experts believe the findings might lead to new ways to cure memory loss.

Enhance your mental mettle with rosemary-infused scents like Banana Republic M Men and Ferrari Scuderia Club.

7. Peppermint

This little leaf's oil is recognized for its capacity to lift your spirits and invigorate your mind and body. In some studies, peppermint has even been found to boost sports performance and respiration in athletes.

Experience the invigorating effects of peppermint in Jovan White Musk and Bath & Body Works Twisted Peppermint Fragrance Mist. 

8. Baby powder

If you enjoy the scent of baby powder, you may be experiencing a sentimental response. According to experts, the scent of baby powder reminds us of the safety and security we felt as infants, but it also reminds parents of the joy they had when their children were small.

Our favorite powdery scents are Gucci Bloom and Marc Jacobs Daisy! 

Related Resources: 

• 4 reasons why you should switch scents now
• The 8 most wildly bizarre perfume ingredients of all time
• 9 perfume storing habits that are ruining your expensive fragrances