How to Look for Existing Opportunities to Incorporate the Power of Scent

There are so many ways you can bring scent into your everyday environments, chances are you’re already doing it, just perhaps not consciously. This article is here to spark ideas on how you can create nurturing scent experiences, mindfully.

We all use self-care products regularly, and body wash is a good example. Often, we toss one into the trolley because it’s on offer or the name sounds appealing. But what if, instead, you gave it a moment’s thought? What if you saw that one small choice as a chance to elevate your day, with scent as your guide?

You could ask yourself:

When am I likely to use this product?

What do I want or need in that moment?

How do I want to feel?

For example, I use body wash in my morning shower. At that time, I want to feel energised and clear-headed, ready to get going. So, I think about scents that boost energy or bring mental clarity: black pepper, cardamom, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lemon, lime, peppermint, or sweet orange.

If your shower is in the evening, your needs may be completely different. You might want something calming or grounding, like chamomile, clary sage, lavender, marjoram, vetiver, or ylang ylang.

Most of us use these products without consciously considering what the scent is doing to us or for us. But imagine the shift that could come from intentionally choosing products that match your desired mood or outcome. One small choice. A potentially powerful impact.

Personally, I’ve started keeping two body washes in rotation:

Morning: spearmint, rosemary, and eucalyptus

Evening: lavender, geranium, and cedarwood

During my shower, I take a few mindful breaths and consciously enjoy the scent. And honestly, I’ve noticed a difference in my mood and mindset.

I invite you to expand on this idea. Where else could you apply this intentional approach to scent?

Are you more of a bath person? If so, could the time of day shape your choice of oils or bubble baths? (And if you have little ones enjoying a bedtime bath, what scents are you choosing for them?)

What about your cleaning products, do they leave a lingering scent?

What candles are you lighting, and when? A zesty grapefruit scent might be energising but is it what you want just before bed?

Do you use home plug-ins? What scent is filling your space?