THE comforting smell of warm bread just out of the oven, the stimulating scent when you squeeze a freshly cut piece of lemon rind, that distinctive smell that triggers a memory from childhood...
There’s no doubt about it – scents are powerful. They can evoke emotions and take us back in time in an instant. They can make us feel relaxed and happy. Smells impact our bodies through our nervous system, coming in via olfactory cells in the nose and mouth that connect directly to the brain.
Signals from the olfactory nerve go to parts of the brain in charge of emotions and mood. And research has also shown that scents can turn on the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes and soothes our bodies.
Essential oils – concentrated extracts of various plants – are a simple, effective way to get the stress-busting benefits of scents.
Here’s a guide to some that can help ease anxiety, boost your mood and help you sleep better.
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Denne historien er fra 30 April 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
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Denne historien er fra 30 April 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
