It turns out there’s an easy solution for stress and missing someone special: just take a whiff of their clothes.
According to recent studies, even the smell of a romantic partner’s worn clothing can provide emotional solace and reduce stress. Researchers from the University of British Columbia discovered that women who inhaled the scent of their partner’s old T-shirt had reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. On the other hand, inhaling the aroma of a stranger really increased stress levels.
This discovery demonstrates the close relationship between our emotions and senses. The smell itself isn’t as important as what it stands for. Even when a loved one is far away, a familiar scent can immediately evoke memories, a sense of security, and a sense of intimacy.
This was supported by another study that was published in Physiology & Behavior, which found that those who feel safe in their relationships were even more affected by the relaxing effects of their partner’s smell.
Experts believe that the emotional support provided by simply keeping a loved one’s clothing close by might lessen feelings of separation, even though more research is needed to fully understand how fragrance directly impacts loneliness.
Therefore, the next time you’re feeling low, it might be worthwhile to grab your favorite T-shirt or your partner’s hoodie. Your heart may appreciate it, as well as your stress levels.
