The Surprising Link Between Scent And Mood

Ever smell something and instantly feel better or be transported back to a moment from your past? Maybe it was fresh lavender, zesty citrus or comforting vanilla. That’s no accident. Scent and mood are connected and this goes way beyond just liking how something smells. In fact, scent can have a big impact on your emotions, stress levels and how you behave.

Let’s get to the science behind this and how you can use scent mindfully and intentionally to support your mood and overall well-being.

What’s the Link Between Scent and Mood?

We feel this connection instinctively but it’s also backed by science. Certain smells can make us feel calmer, happier, more focused or more energized. Why? It all starts with how our brain processes scent.

What’s the Role of the Olfactory System?

Our sense of smell is processed through the olfactory system, which is directly connected to the limbic system in our brain, the part that deals with emotions, memory and behaviour. Unlike other senses, smell bypasses rational thinking and goes straight to where we feel. That’s why scent has such a direct impact on our emotional state.

How Does Scent Affect Our Mood?

Emotions

Some smells make us feel good instantly. For example, jasmine or mint can release serotonin or endorphins. That’s why aromatherapy is so often used to lift the mood or calm.

Memory

Scent and memory are linked. A certain aroma can bring up long forgotten memories—your grandma’s perfume or a certain essential oil you used on holiday. These associations can evoke strong emotions—comfort, nostalgia, even motivation.

Stress And Anxiety

Some scents are known for their calming properties. Lavender, sandalwood and chamomile, for example, have been shown to reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels. Breathing in these calming scents—especially on a stressful day—can make you feel more grounded and at ease.

Behaviour

Scent can also influence behaviour. Citrus scents might make you feel more energized and help you be more productive, earthy or floral scents more mindful, patient and relaxed. A subtle but powerful way to shape your day and how you live in it.

What Scents Make You Feel Good?

Lavender

Calming, soothing and research-backed lavender is the go-to for stress relief and improving your sleep naturally. It’s a favourite in everything from essential oils to pillow sprays for a reason.

Citrus

Zesty scents like lemon, orange and grapefruit are bright, uplifting and perfect for mornings or anytime you need a pick me up. They help boost energy and clear mental fog.

Vanilla

Warm, sweet and comforting-vanilla is often a sense of ease and emotional warmth. It can be especially grounding when you feel overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted.

Jasmine

Jasmine’s sweet floral scent doesn’t just smell nice—it’s also a mild stimulant. It’s been shown to boost mood and alertness, making it a great option when you want to feel uplifted without reaching for caffeine.

Can Scent Be Used As A Therapy for Mood Disorders?

Yes and many people already do- whether they call it aromatherapy or not. Scent can be a gentle, supportive tool for those navigating stress, anxiety, low mood or just wanting to feel more emotionally balanced throughout the day.

Aromatherapy

Our Rest and Digest Essentials range offers pure essential oil blends to help you relax, focus or sleep more soundly. Just a few drops in a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil for massage can completely change your mental space.

Scented Candles

Lighting a candle can be more than just ambiance, it can be therapy. Our Queen B Little Lights are made from pure Australian beeswax and release a gentle natural honey scent as they burn. Toxin-free, they’re perfect for setting the mood during an evening unwind, yoga or journaling session.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are a quick and easy way to support your mood throughout the day. Our Rest and Digest essential oil blends are designed to help you feel grounded, calm or recharged depending on what you need. Use in a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle during a mindful pause.

Perfumes And Fragrances

Natural perfumes are a great way to carry mood-boosting scent with you all day. Our Rest and Digest fragrance oils by Serene Body Health are pure essential oil blends in 10ml pocket-sized rollers. Whether you’re reaching for Rest (lavender + sandalwood), Lift (grapefruit + spearmint) or Ground (vetiver + patchouli), these blends offer a mindful moment in the middle of everyday life—no synthetics, just nature doing its thing.

Make Scent a Part of Your Emotional Self Care

Emotional self care starts with the things that make you feel good. Scent has a way of shifting how we feel. That's because it speaks directly to our bodies and moods. A few deep breaths of the right aroma can calm you down, energize you, help you focus or bring you joy. You can find that calm in the gentle flame of a beeswax candle, the sensation of natural perfume oil on your skin or the soothing blend that fills your home.

What you love and what lifts your mood it’s a great starting place to build those small self care rituals into your day. Our Rest and Digest range of essential oils, candles and natural fragrances can help you just do that. With our self care products and gifts, you’ll have everything you need to make scent a meaningful part of your emotional self care routine.