Your sense of smell does more than just enhance the taste of food or help you enjoy the fragrance of flowers, perfumes, or coffee. In fact, working on improving your smelling skills can lead to significant health and lifestyle benefits that you may not have considered. Here are five surprising reasons to focus on boosting your sense of smell:
- Boosts Your Mood and Relieves Stress
Research shows that certain pleasant smells can have a positive impact on your mood. Smelling something you enjoy—whether it’s fresh coffee, perfume, or the scent of nature—can trigger the release of dopamine and other feel-good chemicals, helping to combat stress and improve your outlook. Starting your day with a smell you love can put you in a positive mindset, which explains why many people start the morning with fragrances like aftershave or perfume. Scents like lavender or vanilla are often linked to relaxation, making them perfect for easing tension.
- Promotes Calm and Reduces Anxiety
Certain scents can trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting calmness and relaxation. Pleasant smells have been shown to reduce anxiety levels, while neutral or negative smells may increase stress. In fact, some studies suggest that smells associated with anxious memories can fuel future anxiety. However, positive scents can break this cycle, helping you feel more at ease in daily life.
- Enhances Focus and Physical Performance
Smell is closely linked to the nervous system, which regulates key body functions like blood pressure and heart rate. Certain smells can activate the body’s alertness response, improving your focus and physical performance. Studies have shown that specific aromas, such as peppermint or citrus, can stimulate faster reaction times, increase motor response, and boost productivity at work or during exercise.
- Improves Memory Recall
There’s a strong connection between scent and memory. Specific smells can trigger the recall of memories faster than other senses. This is because scent processing occurs in the olfactory bulb, which is part of the brain’s limbic system—the region responsible for emotion and memory. Smelling familiar scents can bring back vivid memories, helping you retrieve past experiences more efficiently.
- Strengthens Emotional Well-Being
Smells are often intertwined with our emotions. A familiar smell can evoke powerful memories, both positive and negative, which influence how we feel in the moment. By honing your sense of smell, you can become more aware of how scents impact your emotional state. Recognizing which scents uplift you can be a key tool in managing your emotional well-being, offering a simple but effective way to feel more balanced.
How to Improve Your Sense of Smell:
- Practice Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths when smelling something pleasant to allow your brain more time to process the scent.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can increase blood flow to your olfactory system, enhancing your sense of smell.
- Smell Before You Eat: Savor the aroma of your meals before taking a bite to heighten your olfactory awareness.
- Consume Zinc and B12: Deficiencies in zinc and vitamin B12 can impair smell, so make sure you’re getting enough of these nutrients from foods like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and lentils.
- Clear Nasal Congestion: If you’re congested, try a nasal spray to help clear your airways and improve your ability to smell. Consult a doctor if necessary.
Sources:
Johnson AJ. “Cognitive facilitation following intentional odor exposure.” Sensors. 2011.
Weber ST, Heuberger E. “The impact of natural odors on affective states in humans.” Chem Senses. 2008.
Heuberger E, et al. “Effects of chiral fragrances on human autonomic nervous system parameters.” Chem Senses. 2001.
Tubaldi F, et al. “Effects of olfactory stimuli on arm-reaching duration.” Chem Senses. 2008.
Krusemark EA, et al. “When the sense of smell meets emotion: anxiety-state-dependent olfactory processing.” J Neurosci. 2013.
Aggleton JP, Waskett L. “Odours as state-dependent cues for memory recall.” Br J Psychol. 1999.
