Scent plays such a key role in our daily lives, and here are clever ways for the entire family to wake up, sleep better and enjoy the day more – just by following your nose! See the full segment on the TODAY Show below!
EARLY MORNING
In the morning it’s all about energizing scents that invigorate us, scents like coffee and citrus are proven stimulators of the mind and promote a feeling of awakeness.
Scents and products:
CITRUS: Moroccanoil Fleur d’Oranger Body Buff ($18-$24, Moroccanoil.com)
The orange peel in the scrub exfoliates and imparts an amazing orange scent, while oils like Argan moisturize the skin, so you don’t even have to moisturize after – shortening your morning routine!
COFFEE: You don’t need to be a coffee lover to get a boost, a study found that just smelling coffee in the morning can help wake you up faster and ease stress that can be caused from lack of sleep. Plug in scented oils in this scent in your children’s bathroom, or spray the room spray by/in their rooms first thing in the morning for a fun boost to the morning routine! Great because you can start and stop fragrance by plugging it in or out.
Air Wick Life Scents Scented Oils or Room Spray in Corner Café ($4.99, Wal-mart and drugstores)
AT WORK/THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Incorporate a soothing scent like vanilla that’s been proven to reduce anxiety at work or at home throughout the day.
VANILLA
There was a study done by Memorial Sloan Kettering where vanilla was used to scent the MRI room, and they observed patients’ anxiety was reduced by 63%! Instead of scenting your entire office, which not all of us can do, try a lipstick with a vanilla scent, like this one, which also has a great pop of color – another proven mood-booster!
Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick ($9.99 at drugstores)
For an inexpensive boost while at home or at work, try a candle like this one from Air Wick which is the first ever-changing fragrance – featuring three fragrance notes that change constantly offering a luxe scent experience without breaking the bank! Pop it at your desk, or use it anywhere at home, even without lighting it. Plus, the label peels off, so it blends into any décor or any room. This one is Summer Delights, which has the scents of vanilla, mellow melon and white flowers.
Air Wick Life Scents Summer Delights Candle ($3, Wal-mart and drugstores)
IN THE CAR
We’ve all been there, needing to focus behind the wheel after a long day while regaining our second wind to enjoy time with the family after work.
Aura Cacia Car Diffuser ($10.99) uses your lighter outlet to heat essential oils!
NEW MOMS/BABIES
Try scents that are relaxing and practical for you and your baby!
SWEET ALMOND OIL
This oil contains skin-calming ingredients for you and your baby like Calendula Oil and Sweet Almond Oil, long used in aromatherapy for its sweet scent and amazing moisturizing properties. This oil is not only perfect for baby massage, but it’s also great for mom and can be used as part of a DIY scrub with salt or sugar for an at-home spa experience, as a makeup remover or for a daily moisturizer.
Cetaphil Baby Moisturizing Oil ($6.99, Drugstore.com)
Turn the evening bath routine into a calming experience for both you and your baby. This line contains both lavender and chamomile which are proven relaxing ingredients, in fact, cooled chamomile tea is recommended to help colicky babies since it decreases intestinal spasms and promotes a calm mental state.
Baby Magic Calming Baby Lotion and Baby Bath ($7.49 each, Walgreens)
DATE NIGHT
VIOLET
Violets have been used in love potions for years. Psychologically, violet leaf has a calming, comforting quality that’s been used for headaches, dizziness, insomnia and nervous exhaustion. No more “honey, I have a headache!”
Touch up date night makeup with Physician’s Formula Happy Booster Blush ($11.95 at Ulta) that offers a hit of violet when applied.
http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/07322.html
EVENING
Unwinding from the day does not need extra steps to your routine, instead just make a couple of quick changes to what you already do – like brushing your teeth and getting ready for bed!
LAVENDER
As you brush your teeth before bed, try a toothpaste with calming ingredients like lavender and valerian root. The use of valerian root dates back to Ancient Roman times when it was used to treat insomnia.
GO Smile AM/PM Toothpastes ($25, gosmile.com)
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