Multiple scientific studies have shown that scents really can impact how we feel. This is because odours are directly linked to the limbic system, which includes the amygdala and the hippocampus, two regions closely related to emotion. However, some scents are more effective than others. Below, with the help of Reviva Coffee and Dr Hana Patel, we look at five that can help put you in a more positive mood from the first light.
Google searches for ‘how to wake up early in the morning in Winter’ have skyrocketed by 5,000% in the past 30 days. Many of us turn to drinking coffee to combat those early starts, but what if hot chocolate could energise your mornings, too?
To help reduce those sleepy starts and increase focus from the get-go, the experts at Reviva Coffee have revealed their top five scents to supercharge your mornings for Hot Chocolate Day (31st January). They also partnered with Dr Hana Patel, GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, to provide expert insight into the benefits of these scents.
Five Scents to Kick-start Your Mornings
Coffee beans
Many people start the morning with a coffee to boost their energy levels and start the day right. However, it has been scientifically proven that the smell of coffee beans alone can boost attentiveness and energy.
This January, Google search interest in coffee-scented candles peaked in the UK, with a 100% increase compared to 2024. Coffee’s scent has been shown to lower the risk of stress and low mood and promote a healthy brain.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is known for its numerous mental and physical health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and treating high blood pressure and headaches. By reducing stress, lemongrass can contribute to an improved mood, giving you a much-needed lift in the mornings. Its scent, however, is also known to be energising and can help to banish mental fatigue.
Orange
Citrus scents are known for their incredible ability to increase serotonin levels (the happy hormone), so it is no wonder that orange makes the list. Orange aromas can contribute to reduced norepinephrine levels (the stress hormone), helping to reduce your morning tensions and give you a natural energy boost to kick-start your day.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a loved treat among many, but the scent of chocolate alone has been shown to have many psychological benefits. Chocolate contains compounds such as phenylethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, contributing to improved mood. In addition, the scent of chocolate can help lower stress by making your brain produce serotonin, which helps calm you down.
Peppermint
The well-known scent of peppermint is common, but many may not be aware of its medicinal benefits that can help boost mornings. Not only can it alleviate congestion and improve breathing, but it can also encourage clear thinking and reduce anxiety. Some studies have even shown peppermint to protect neurons and help increase cognitive function.
Dr Hana Patel, a GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, explains the benefits of these scents: “Medical studies have shown that inhalation of essential oils resulted in lower perceived stress levels as well as better sleep quality. Other studies also demonstrate the benefits of scents, such as psychological health benefits, like mood-lifting or elevating, easing stress, and inducing relaxation, among others.
“For instance, lemongrass scents have been used in numerous studies, which have concluded that this aroma has some stress-relieving effects.
“Peppermint has well-known uses as a therapeutic scent. Studies have shown that peppermint also delivers an increased 1,8-cineole that could have a positive impact at a neurochemical level.”
Methodology
- Reviva Coffee sought to provide expert tips on five scents that can supercharge your mornings.
- To do this, they scoured reputable sites, such as Healthline and WebMD, to identify scents and the beneficial qualities these can provide.
- Dr Hana Patel, GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, then provided the expert comment.
- The research was carried out in September 2024 and is accurate as of then.
Sources:
European Heart Journal: Coffee drinking timing and mortality in US adults.
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