A neuroscientist has revealed the exact scent to wear if you're feeling anxious

When it comes to perfume, selecting your very own ‘signature scent’ is no easy feat. One whiff can evoke specific memories, good or bad, and transport us to a time and place that has the ability to trigger powerful emotions.
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In fact, to grasp just how closely linked our moods are to our fragrance, 75 per cent of the daily emotions we experience are affected by smell.
And when it comes to the sense that creates the most lasting impact, we are 100 times more likely to remember something we smell, over something we hear, see or touch.
But, just as fragrances can trigger emotions, they can also work to subside them.
Neuroscientist and mindfulness expert Patrick K. Porter has revealed to Well And Good that particular fragrance notes have the ability to soothe certain hormones, which can play a role in reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.
So if you’d like your daily spritz to work a bit harder, he says to look for perfumes formulated with neroli, lemongrass, lavender and bergamot to keep you calm as well as smelling amazing.
Here are our top recommendations for an anxiety-reducing fragrance:
L’OCCITANE Lavender Eau de Cologne
Inspired by summertime in the south of France, there’s not much about this luxurious, lavender scent that won’t instantly put you at ease.
Vera Wang Embrace French Lavender and Tuberose
Inspired by intimacy and emotion, Vera Wang’s Embrace combines French lavender with tuberose and sandalwood to create a timeless, long-lasting scent that helps to keep a busy mind relaxed.
Ermenegildo Zegna Parfums Acqua di Neroli Eau De Toilette Spray
Praised for soothing feelings of restlessness, neroliadds a touch of spice to this fresh, zesty fragrance also containing rosemary, lemon and violet leaves.
Le Labo Bergamote 22
Fragrant citrus fruit bergamote makes up this fresh, sweet scent from luxury perfume brand Le Labo. Mixed with subtle notes of amber and musk, enjoy a delicate, sweet and soothing fragrance.
$440, available at MECCA
Main image credit: @lelabo
52 Member Comments
Lavender all the way! It's the best by far for anxiety and headaches. I don't wear it as a perfume but just use it straight up whenever I need it.
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Lavendar is overpowering
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Interesting article but, unfortunately, lavender smells like nursing homes to me.
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Lavender always puts me to sleep so this is a must.
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These do sound calming and soothing.
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I'm not a fan of lavender :(
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I need to try some of these perfumes !
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I had no idea that perfume could help anxiety I have a mix of natural fragrances that I love to put on at night I might have to use it more often.
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I need to bathe in these scents. I have anxiety and depression. Some days are good. Others are terrible.
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I'm not a fan on scents unless it's fruity.
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I feel anxious most of the time during the day, especially when I'm in a crowd. I get this feeling that everyone is looking at me, and it drives me nuts! This perfume might just solve my problems. To be able to smell the lavender as I go about my day is just what I need. And maybe for my bedroom, I could use a scented candle or an oil diffuser. For this, Luxondemand has my back. I wonder which stores do I go to for the perfume.
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I like ones with real rose in it or real sandalwood.
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Not a perfume wearer but do love essential oils
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I love any thing with sandalwood, earthy tones ground me. I'd love to sample the Vera Wang - Embrace. It sounds lovely
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Love anything to do with Vanilla .
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I like lemongrass so good to know it helps with anxiety.
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I'd love to try the Vera Wang one. Sounds interesting.
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ooOOoO I've heard a lot of positive reviews about Le Labo Bergamote 22
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I’m not a huge lavender lover, but my mum is. I’ll check that out for her birthday. Might pass on the $440 one though!
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Interesting, but I’m afraid my schnoz is too scentsitive and the side effects would outweigh the benefits for me :(
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I love to wear which ever perfume I want when I want for no reason
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love lavender, I find it so soothing, the vera wang one also sounds lovely. That last one - the price!! It better just about cure my Anxiety for that price
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I am definitely one of those people who wears a different fragrance for my mood and what I am wearing. If it's an After 5 Event I wear someone strong and sexy.
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