Smell Your Way to Success

[BABY1]

TweetGiving her a bouquet of flowers is a great way to brighten her day, but it’s not just the colorful petals that make her smile: According to new research presented at the Association for Psychological Science’s annual meeting in May, floral scents can increase your happiness and evoke positive memories.
Researchers divided participants into three different rooms, each scented with a different fragrance. Those in the floral-scented room used three times as many happiness-related words in a series of tests and indicated that their overall mood was better.
So how exactly does a specific scent make you happy and nostalgic? It works like this: Your olfactory bulb (the part of your brain that allows you to smell) is part of the limbic system, associated with memory and emotions, says Alan Hirsch, M.D., founder of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation.
That’s why certain smells can evoke memories and influence moods. Many people have strong psychological associations with scents, according to Terry Molnar, executive director of The Fragrance Foundation and the Sense of Smell Institute.
Molnar says that when you’re first introduced to a new scent, that fragrance automatically gets tied to the context—such as who you’re with. Any time you encounter that scent again, it’s likely to elicit a related emotion or memory.
How can you utilize the power of scent to your benefit? Incorporate the follow fragrances into your weekly routine to enhance your arousal, reduce stress, and boost your concentration.

Increase Your Libido with . . .
Jasmine, cinnamon, and roseroot: Scents that smell spicier and herb-like are closely related to feelings of arousal and self-confidence, says Molnar. This connection refers back to a psychological association. Often when we experience intimate situations, we build a strong emotional association with the scent (commonly linked to a cologne or perfume), he says. Achieving the desired effect can also be as easy as purchasing a cinnamon-scented room spray.

Slash Away Stress with . . .
Lavender, sandalwood, and chamomile: These scents, often found in aromatherapy products, help reduce anxiety and stress because the fragrance has a calming effect on the nervous system, says Molnar. You can find them at most spas—or for something more convenient and affordable, try Bath and Body Works. The store has an aromatherapy line of oils, lotions, candles, and bath salts, all for under $10.

Improve Your Concentration with . . .
Peppermint and citrus: “Peppermint and citrus stimulate nerves in the brain responsible for feeling awake and alert,” Hirsch says. Smell the scent (or taste the flavors) and you’ll boost your brainpower and become more alert. It can be as easy as lighting a citrus-scented candle or as simple as popping in a peppermint-flavored mint, says Hirsch.
Which scents besides flowers woo women? You might be surprised. Earlier this year, Hirsch and his colleagues researched women’s scent preferences in 10 major U.S. cities and found that girls in each city love their guys to have a particular smell. It turns out New Yorkers go for the smell of coffee, California girls love the beach, Philly chicks dig clean laundry, and Houston women go gaga for BBQ. Read more about the Smells That Women Love.
—Madeline Haller

[Dzone]

Tweetgood information. They say the sense of smell is the sense most connected with emotion in the brain. I better get me some cinnamon..lol

[daved150]

Tweethuh....no wonder i aint getting laid!! my house smells like coors light, cheese puffs and kids!!

[Dzone]

Tweet

huh....no wonder i aint getting laid!! my house smells like coors light, cheese puffs and kids!!

LOL...hey bro, You better cal 1800flowers today! hehheh

[Dzone]

TweetThe first (and last with her) date I went on Friday night was so horrible. She must have taken a bath in the stinkiest perfume you can possibly buy...Just thinking about it makes me gag...what was she thinking? OMG...lol