Illinois Residents Say These Are 5 Best Smells Of Spring, Really?

The sun is shining, it's a warm day ahead, and the moment you walk outside, an amazing scent hits you. Instant joy. Can you tell me what it is you're smelling? Illinois residents say there are no better "smells of spring quite like these 5, do you agree?

I love the rush of good feelings I get when I smell something pleasing. We all have a long list of scents that fill our bodies with happy hormones.

What are Happy Hormones

Any time something occurs that makes you happier, it causes your brain to feed you a little 'reward chemical', or 'love hormone', some fabulous natural 'painkiller', or a 'mood stabilizer'.

• Dopamine - "The Reward Chemical"
• Oxytocin - "The Love Hormone"
• Endorphins - "The Pain Killer"
• Serotonin - "The Mood Stabilizer"

If you've ever smelled something that took away any physical pain, and it was something someone cooked, please send me the recipe.

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We're in those glorious warm months now, and being outside after a long sunless winter is high on the priority list. Taking a short drive, a weekend road trip, going on some hikes, camping (or glamping) in the forest, or just relaxing in your backyard, means being surrounded by sights, sounds, and SMELLS that bring joy and a body filled with happy hormones.

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The 5 Best Smells of Spring

(according to Illinois residents with cabin fever)

5. High-Speed Joy

A day at the racetrack

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4. Best part of camping in the woods

A campfire

3. For those without allergies, this is always a pleasing smell

Fresh-cut grass

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2. Whether it's spring or summer, this always brings a peaceful kind of joy

Spring and summer rain

1. Duh!

The smell of food on a grill.

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How would you change this list of smells?

I'd switch out the racecar fuel for a citronella candle. And I'm not sure what I like more, the campfire smell or those s'mores???

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