SMELL THIS

***FIVE SCENTS THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR MOOD***

The best way to boost your mood, relieve stress, and beat cravings might be right under your nose. Tapping into your sense of smell is one of the fastest ways to change your perspective or even your behavior. Here are five scents that can brighten your day . . .

#1.) IF YOU WANT A QUICK PICK-ME-UP, TRY A LITTLE PEPPERMINT. It stimulates the region of the brain that controls how tired you feel, and when your energy level is low, peppermint candy or gum might work better than a cup of coffee.

#2.) IF YOU'RE FEELING STRESSED, LAVENDER CAN HELP. It has a mild sedating effect on the emotional center of the brain. Light a candle, or better yet, use some lavender-scented bath oil. The heat from the bath will reinforce the effect.

#3.) TO INCREASE BRAIN POWER, TRY SOME CINNAMON. Studies show that people are more alert when they've been exposed to it. That's because cinnamon's aroma appears to increase blood flow and provide your brain with more oxygen.

#4.) IF YOU'RE ON A DIET, TRY VANILLA. In a Brown University study, women who wore a vanilla-scented patch started losing weight without even trying. It's because vanilla is a common ingredient in sweets, and the scent alone can satisfy cravings.

#5.) IF YOU'RE FEELING DEPRESSED, TRY CITRUS. We associate its scent with morning time, and we associate morning time with new beginnings. Try using a citrus-scented body wash in the shower, OR go 'old school' and just have a glass of juice. (QuickandSimple.com)