If you’re feeling blue, there are a variety of reasons and causes that could be behind it.
But whether it’s just seasonal sadness or something you’re getting actively treated for, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little extra help from mother nature.
Studies have long shown that citrus is a stress-reducer. Whether you’re just inhaling it, or you’re actually eating an orange, the scent of these fruits can really bring your stress levels down.
And it’s not just your stress. Smelling citrus can improve your move on all fronts.
One study found that when those who participated spent as few as ten minutes smelling a Japanese citrus fruit called yuzu found themselves feeling better overall.
These participants not only felt less stressed, but they also felt decreases in their “overall mood disturbance.” This is a measuring system that measures change in tension, anxiety, depression, confusion, anger, and fatigue.
That’s nothing to sneeze at.
There are lots of ways you can get the benefits of citrus in your life, so you can take advantage of its calming, mood boosting elements.
For example, lemon water is a long-known home remedy for depression or sadness.
But even just having a lemon-scented candle or using soap that’s lemon or orange scented can help you de-stress.
If you need a sweet treat every once in a while, try a frozen lemonade, or put lemon or orange slices in your water.
Or, when you use lemon or orange in your cooking, just take a whiff of it.
Any way you slice it, you can get the benefit of citrus.
