HOW INCENSE Sticks AFFECTS MOOD
Incense has long been associated with influencing mood, and there is evidence to support this connection. Different fragrances emitted by incense can evoke different emotional responses due to their impact on the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions, memories, and arousal.
It is so powerful that it can even make you remember childhood memories! This is called the Proustian memory effect. The thing is that the sense of scent is one of the most primal ones out of all the other senses, so when you inhale a fragrance, you create an involuntary memory linked to the scent. And when you inhale the aroma again, you are transferred back to that moment in time. But this is just one-way incense can sway your mood;
Here are some other ways incense can impact your mood:
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Reduce stress and anxiety:
Studies have shown that certain scents, such as lavender, rajnigandh, eucalyptus, nagchampa, and chamomile, have calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Inhaling these fragrances triggers the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are known to promote feelings of relaxation.
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Create a peaceful atmosphere:
The ritual of burning agarbattis can improve your mood by creating a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and introspection. The smell of natural mogra, sandalwood, rose, lavender, and tulsi can help you find an escape from the chaotic world.
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Make you feel energised:
Lighting an incense stick can even energise you if you are feeling tired or sluggish. Scents like peppermint and lemongrass are known for their energising effects and can give you that much-needed boost to start your day or to get you through your day.
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Helps to fall asleep:
There are some fragrances that can help you in better night sleep too and even improve your sleep quality. It is true! Fragrances like lavender, cedarwood, vetiver, and eucalyptus promote a state of relaxation and make you feel drowsy.