The Best Incense for Positivity and Good Energy: Scents That Uplift Your Space and Spirit

There are times when a space just feels off—like the energy is heavy, emotions are tense, or everything is just a little out of balance. Whether you're moving into a new home, recovering from stress, or simply wanting to lift your spirits, incense can be a powerful and beautiful way to shift the atmosphere around you. Long used in spiritual and cultural traditions across the globe, incense is far more than just a pleasant aroma—it’s a ritual tool that can help clear negativity, elevate your mood, and invite positive energy into your life.

Scent has a direct link to the emotional centers of the brain. It influences how we feel, how we move through the world, and even how we connect with ourselves and others. Certain fragrances have long been known to promote joy, clarity, creativity, and peace. When burned intentionally, incense can change the tone of your environment in just a few moments. The gentle curl of smoke rising through a room is a symbol of transformation—of shifting from stress to calm, from stagnation to flow, from heaviness to light.

If you're seeking to bring more positivity and good energy into your home, office, or daily routine, the right incense can help set the tone. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best incense fragrances for positivity, why they work, and how to use them to create uplifting, energetically clear spaces.

One of the most popular choices for creating good energy is citrus-based incense—particularly orange, lemon, and bergamot. These bright, zesty scents are naturally uplifting and energizing. They’re often associated with sunshine, fresh starts, and joyful emotions. Citrus incense is ideal for mornings or anytime you want to break out of a slump and feel refreshed. Lighting an orange or bergamot stick while cleaning, journaling, or working can infuse the space with clarity and optimism. These fragrances are also great for creative environments, as they help stimulate the mind and open up new possibilities.

Frankincense is another powerful scent for positivity, though it works in a deeper, more spiritual way. Its warm, resinous aroma is known to cleanse negative energy and elevate consciousness. Frankincense has been used for thousands of years in religious ceremonies and rituals to create sacred space and invite divine energy. Burning frankincense in your home can help clear emotional heaviness and instill a sense of peace and purpose. It’s especially helpful when you’re going through emotional challenges or trying to shift your mindset toward hope and healing.

Closely related is myrrh, another sacred resin that works beautifully when paired with frankincense. While frankincense lifts the spirit, myrrh grounds it, creating a balanced and stable atmosphere. Myrrh’s earthy, slightly bitter scent can help release what no longer serves you—old emotions, lingering tension, or mental clutter—and make room for something new. Together, these two scents can create a powerful ritual of release and renewal, perfect for times of personal transformation.

Sandalwood is often associated with spiritual clarity, but it also brings a calming, centering energy that supports emotional wellbeing. Its warm, woody aroma gently quiets mental chatter and invites presence. Sandalwood is ideal when you want to cultivate positivity from a place of calm confidence rather than high energy. It’s perfect for setting the tone before a big day, grounding yourself in intention, or creating a peaceful environment for conversation and connection.

For a more vibrant, mood-boosting scent, jasmine is an excellent choice. This floral fragrance is deeply associated with joy, sensuality, and emotional release. Its exotic sweetness makes it ideal for romantic evenings or for times when you want to reconnect with your sense of playfulness and passion. Jasmine incense can also be used when you're trying to lift yourself out of a low mood, as it has a natural antidepressant quality. It encourages feelings of love—not just for others, but for yourself.

Rose incense also brings emotional healing, though in a softer and more nurturing way. Often linked to the heart chakra, rose promotes compassion, forgiveness, and emotional openness. Burning rose incense when you’re feeling disconnected, lonely, or overwhelmed can gently bring you back to a place of peace and connection. It’s especially useful when working through relationship difficulties or trying to reconnect with your inner self.

Another deeply uplifting scent is copal, a bright, citrusy resin traditionally used in Mesoamerican spiritual ceremonies. Copal is known for its purifying qualities and high vibration. It is said to clear away heavy or stagnant energy and invite in clarity, joy, and higher guidance. Copal is a beautiful choice for spiritual rituals, creative work, or setting intentions for new beginnings. It brings a lightness to the air and encourages mental focus, making it a favorite for people who are looking to bring freshness and inspiration into their space.

For those who prefer earthy or herbal scents, sage and palo santo are both popular tools for energetic clearing. While they’re often associated with removing negative energy, they also help create space for positive energy to enter. Palo santo, in particular, has a sweet, woody aroma that can be both grounding and uplifting. Often used in shamanic practices, it’s believed to attract good fortune and spiritual blessings. Burning palo santo before starting a new project, inviting guests into your home, or after a difficult conversation can help restore emotional balance and open the door to good energy.

Nag Champa, a well-known Indian incense blend made from sandalwood and frangipani, is another excellent choice. It brings a rich, comforting aroma that feels instantly sacred and serene. Many people associate Nag Champa with yoga studios and spiritual spaces, and for good reason—it promotes a peaceful, positive state of mind. Lighting Nag Champa can bring a familiar, grounding sense of harmony into your space, helping to reduce stress and invite in calm positivity.

For a more invigorating experience, peppermint or eucalyptus incense can also be used to boost mental clarity and elevate energy levels. These refreshing scents stimulate the senses and are great for resetting your energy after feeling tired or scattered. They’re perfect for clearing your head during a busy day or after being in environments that feel draining.

When using incense to bring positivity into your space, intention is everything. Simply lighting a stick and going about your day can still have benefits, but taking a moment to pause and set an intention can deepen the effect. Before lighting your incense, take a deep breath and think about what energy you want to bring into your environment. You might say something as simple as, “I invite peace and joy into this space,” or, “May this scent clear away what no longer serves me.”

You can also pair incense with other rituals that support positivity—such as journaling, meditation, sound healing, or simply spending quiet time in nature. Consider creating a small ritual space in your home with crystals, candles, or meaningful objects where you can burn incense and return to yourself.

It’s also worth paying attention to the time of day and season when choosing your incense. Light, citrusy scents are great for spring and summer or daytime use, while deeper, warming scents like sandalwood, myrrh, or vanilla are perfect for autumn, winter, or evening wind-downs. Let the rhythm of your life and the energy of your space guide your choices.

As with any incense, be sure to burn it safely—away from flammable materials and in a well-ventilated area. If you or others in your home are sensitive to smoke, consider using Japanese low-smoke incense, or try resin incense in an electric burner for a cleaner burn. High-quality, natural incense will also provide a more pleasant experience than synthetic or heavily perfumed varieties.

Ultimately, the best incense for positivity and good energy is the one that resonates most with you. Scent is personal, and part of the joy is discovering what lifts your spirit and makes your space feel like home. With so many beautiful options available, incense can become a meaningful part of your self-care toolkit—helping you shift your energy, clear your mind, and invite joy and peace into your daily life.