Smell

Did you know that your sense of smell bypasses your brain’s main sensory area, and goes straight to the part responsible for emotions and memory?

That’s why a smell can instantly take you back to a favourite memory or remind you of times past

It can create feelings of  calm and warmth and help to lift your mood

And it can also be grounding, helping you to return to the present moment with a sense of safety.

This might be the perfume your mum wore when you were little

Or it might be a brand of washing powder that reminds you of home

It might be the smell of the soap your dad used

Or it might be the air freshener your gran had in her living room.

This week’s suggestion is to go and try a tester spray at your local perfume shop

Or buy that brand of washing powder that reminds you of your childhood home

Add a scent to your day that brings you calm, happy thoughts.

Of course, your most comforting smell might not be a perfume or a product

It might be freshly cut grass

Or baking bread

Or coffee

It’s harder to come across those smells on a normal day –

Scented candles aim for this sort of thing!

And our friends at Scentered do some wonderful aromatherapy balms…

How can you bring a calming, comforting scent into your day today?

Let me know which is your favourite!