TODAY our life is so busy and tiring, we don't have time for relaxation or as they say, to stop and smell the roses. There are a few things which can change your mood and help you relax when you are tired: some people like to listen to soothing music, or go on a long drive. Similarly, a nice, soothing smell can change your mood and that of others around you, help you relax or create an air of romance or even revive your energy. These scents are available in different forms: essential oils, candles, incense or air fresheners. “I like to use candle scents, especially those that smell of jasmine, Oudh and passion fruit, which help me relax,” says Amal Al-Shimrani, a Saudi housewife. “The fragrance of the essential oils in the candle not only give my mood a lift, but also make my home cozy and sweet-smelling,” she said. Moreover, scents always leave a trace behind and are a very powerful sensory stimulus, sometimes being deeply tied to one's memories. “There are many fragrance available but the most popular among Saudis are fruity fragrances like strawberry, raspberry, mango and vanilla mix, passion fruit, cocktail. Expatriates mostly go in for flowery scents like roses, Innocence Vanilla,” said Najeeb Amin, a salesman at Nectar, a shop which sells premium cosmetics and fragrances in Jeddah. According to another salesman Mohammed Fozi of Zohoor Al- Reef shop in Jeddah, brands like Sweet Camilla and Herbs are popular among Saudis and others like lavender and olive oil scents are preferred by expatriates. Before choosing any scents or essential candles which can help you relax, take a look at this information: For a calm mood: When you need something to make you calm, pick the scents which settle your mind. You can try bergamot, sage, lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, patchouli and Ylang ylang. For refreshing your mood: Citrus scents are ideal to perk up your living room, after lunch or while you are sitting at your desk in the afternoon, or during a morning shower. Citrus scents like orange, grapefruit, lemon are believed to enhance a happy and carefree mood. For a romantic mood: Try jasmine, rose, gardenia, patchouli and sandalwood. For a festive mood. Seasonal scents like cinnamon, apple, nutmeg and brown sugar create a cozy atmosphere at home in the autumn months and mango, sag, citrus fragrances enhance a spring mood.
