The human nose was made to smell; good smells, bad smells, and somewhere in between smells. Everyone knows the pleasure of smelling a good, homecooked meal when they enter their home tired and hungry. Then there is the smell of roses following a rain shower. And what about the smell of a new baby freshly washed and ready for sleep? Yes, our nose is a wonderful addition to enjoying life. Too, a nose can save a life when someone smells smoke, blood, or spoiled food. So many smells we experience every day.
But did you know that smells can alter a mood or make you feel better? It has been proven that smells can trigger messages in the brain to signal happiness, fear, anger, and, worst of all, stress. For these reasons, it is vitally important to learn about keeping your home filled with pleasant, uplifting smells. While it is true, you can spend a lot of money purchasing vials of scented oil to provide a variety of mental and emotional benefits. It is also true you can make your scents right at home. Here are some ideas for you to try:
- If you are feeling blue and need a pick-me-up, try chopping mint leaves into small pieces and pressing them into shallow bowls or small plates. Place the containers around your home, and you will be amazed at how mint-scented air can perk a person right up.
- Sometimes folks like to have their home smell warm and cozy, like an evening around the fire drinking apple cider with friends and loved ones. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla will give this ambiance. In a small saucepan, bring to a boil two cups of water. Add two teaspoons of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla. Bring the water back to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Continue cooking for about l5 minutes. You can reheat the mixture when needed.
- Flowers are a great way to bring enjoyable scents as well as color into your home. Fresh flowers you grow yourself are the best, but ones you buy commercially will also work well.
- If you are unable to get fresh flowers, artificial flowers lightly sprayed with a favorite cologne or perfume will add a touch of beauty and pleasant scent.
- Scented candles are a lovely way to freshen your home. Candles can be purchased very reasonably at dollar stores. Or, you can make them yourself using canning wax and scents of your choice such as lemon oil, citrus oil, vanilla, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, peppermint oil, or lavender oil.
- Potpourri is another great way to keep your home smelling fresh and uplifting. Again, different fragrances can be purchased for very little at a dollar store, but you can make your own. Use interesting dried flower petals, small pine cones, small nuts, and even little twigs to mix together in an interesting bowl that compliments your decor. Add scented oil or dried spice to the potpourri mixture and stir well. Replace the oil or spice scent as needed.
- If you like the smell of citrus, chop lemon, orange, and lime rinds and mix them together in a small, colorful bowl. They will dry out in a week or so but are easily replaced with fresh rinds.
Keeping your home smelling fresh and pleasant will help all who live there have a more positive attitude and feel the goodness of life. Be certain, however, to make sure none of the scents you use irritate the allergies of anyone living there. And, remember, when possible open your windows to let in the fresh air, the very best scent of all. (and it’s free)
