| Feeling frazzled at work? A whiff of a favorite scent may be all you need to ease your stress, say researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. In a study that simulated on the job stress, 65 adults were asked to perform complex mental tasks such as proof-reading under high and moderate stress conditions. The subjects completed more tasks and reported feeling more relaxed when they worked in a room where a pleasant smelling air freshener was present. There's a direct link between receptors in the nasal passages and the brain. Fragrance may trigger a surge in brain chemicals that produce good feelings to counteract the effects of stress. Fragrance may also help ease stress at home.
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