Even after 8 years of practicing aromatherapy, I am still amazed at the profound reaction I have to some smells. Clay and gravel transports me back to childhood summers in Minnesota. New wool brings me to the fall of my freshman year in high school. Lilacs are Mothers Day.
But let us not forget that there are the putrid and rotten smells that transport us to places we would rather not go! We have all experienced the knee-jerk reaction. So often, we notice and move on. But what if you could harness this power of our sensory nerves and the limbic part of our brain? Well you can. Right now.
What scent – meaning not just fragrance but anything with an odor – brings you to your happy place? If you can, smell it right now. Notice any changes? The deep breath that accompanies the effort of smelling is relaxing on its own. But what about any other physical or emotional changes? Did your heart rate slow a bit? Did the tension in your jaw release? Great. Now you see how we can affect purposeful changes in our lives by what we smell.
Stressed out? Nature created a long list of essential oils that incite a chemical reaction to the human body that calm the central nervous system. How amazing is that? Lavender, Roman chamomile and vetiver are just a few of the ones we can use to bring peace to our day. Don’t have any essential oils on hand? Inhaling something with that positive association will still bring those calming effects based on your association with it. That is the wonder of the human brain and our memory.
Life is stressful – so harness this power in the way that works best for you. Or you can visit me for your bespoke stress-relief blend. Either way, stress relief never smelled so sweet!
