When to Use Smelling Salts: Timing is Everything

Smelling salts have made a noticeable comeback in recent years—not just in powerlifting circles or pro sports locker rooms, but in the daily routines of students, shift workers, and anyone looking for a quick mental reset. But to get the most from them, timing matters.  Knowing when to use smelling salts is the difference between occasional peak performance and overdoing it.

Smelling salts deliver a short burst of ammonia vapor that jolts the senses and cues instant alertness. This brief shock to your senses can trigger an instant state of alertness—similar to snapping yourself awake. They’re not energy boosters in the traditional sense; instead, they’re tools for momentary clarity and presence.

 Here’s how to use them strategically.

1. Pre-Workout Spark

This is one of the most common—and effective—uses for smelling salts. Before a heavy squat, deadlift, or max-effort bench press, lifters will often use a quick hit of salts to clear their mind, snap out of a funk, and get in the moment.

It’s not about giving you more physical strength, but about tapping into what you already have. The surge in awareness helps lifters get mentally locked in for that one crucial attempt. Think of it as flipping a switch—your body’s already ready, but your brain might need a push to catch up.

2. Mid-Day Energy Slump

That familiar 3 PM crash hits hard—especially if you’ve been staring at a screen all day. When coffee isn’t an option (or just isn’t working), smelling salts can provide a quick, stimulant-free jolt to your system.

A small whiff can break the cycle of brain fog and help you mentally shift into your next task. Whether you're prepping for a meeting, finishing a project, or just trying to avoid the afternoon slump, the timing of your sniff matters: use it right before you need a quick mental reset —not hours before.

3. High-Stakes Moments

In sports, there are moments when everything’s on the line: right before hopping on the ice, the pivotal moment in a football game, or the last set of a competition. Smelling salts are often used here to help clear distractions, center the mind, and signal the brain: it’s time to perform.

It’s also about ritual. Like tying your cleats a certain way or chalking your hands, using salts becomes part of the mental prep that gets you into game mode. A small routine with big mental impact. 

4. When You’re Mentally Drained

After long periods of studying, driving, or deep focus, your brain can start to drift. Rather than reaching for a second energy drink or zoning out entirely, some users turn to smelling salts to briefly bring their mind back online.

Used sparingly, this tactic can give you just enough clarity to push through that final hour—whether you're burning the midnight oil or finishing a long-haul drive.

5. What Not to Do

Smelling salts are not meant to replace sleep, hydration, or nutrition. If you’re relying on them daily just to function, it’s time to re-evaluate other aspects of your health.

 They’re best used sparingly, for moments when you need a reset—not a long-term fix. Think of them like sprint spikes: great for performance, but not something you wear around the house.

Why Choose VYV Over Traditional Smelling Salts?

 Old-school salts can be messy, single-use, and overwhelmingly harsh. VYV changes the experience with:

• A compact, pre-activated bottle you can toss in your gym bag or desk drawer
• A clean peppermint twist that tempers the harshness
• A squeezable design to control the intensity—whether you need a little or a lot
• No glass ampoules. No mixing.

No guesswork. Just a consistent, user-friendly option designed for modern routines.

Where to Buy Smelling Salts

Wondering where can I buy smelling salts? VYV is available directly online, making it easy to order and ship straight to your door. While some local supplement or fitness stores may carry smelling salts, availability is inconsistent.

For the best selection and quality control, buying online at myvyv.com is your safest bet. Skip the mystery and get salts that are ready when you are.