How do scents affect your day, life and even business?

Little secret behind the science of how our nose tricks us ……

“… I carried to my lips a spoonful of the tea in which I had let soften a bit of madeleine. But at the very instant when the mouthful of tea mixed with cake crumbs touched my palate, I quivered, attentive to the extraordinary thing that was happening inside me.”

It’s a seminal passage in literature, so famous in fact, that it has its own name: the Proustian moment — a sensory experience that triggers a rush of memories often long past, or even seemingly forgotten.

For French author Marcel Proust, who penned the legendary lines in his 1913 novel, “À la recherche du temps perdu,” it was the soupçon of cake in tea that sent his mind reeling.

But according to a biologist and an olfactory branding specialist Wednesday, it was the nose that was really at work.

Smells are handled by the olfactory bulb, the structure in the front of the brain that sends information to the other areas of the body’s central command for further processing. Odors take a direct route to the limbic system, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, the regions related to emotion and memory. “The olfactory signals very quickly get to the limbic system. That's the reason smell and memory seem to be so closely linked because of the brain’s anatomy" , said Harvard’s Venkatesh Murthy, Raymond Leo Erikson Life Sciences.

According to study, the olfactory nerve is what manages our sense of smell, and it’s directly linked to the part of the brain that monitors memories and emotions. As such, scent affects mood, concentration, memory recall and emotion. In fact, 75% of all emotions generated every day are due to smell, and because of this, we are 100 times more likely to remember something we smell over something we see, hear or touch. Additional scent marketing research shows that there is a 40% improvement in mood after being exposed to pleasant scents.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that regulate various functions, including mood, memory, and appetite. Certain scents can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which contribute to feelings of happiness, relaxation, or even arousal. By understanding the relationship between scents and neurotransmitters, we can strategically use fragrances to impact our emotional state.

List of Scents and Their Effects on Mood

Different scents can produce various mood-enhancing effects. Here's a list of scents and their effects on emotions and moods, which can help you make informed choices when selecting fragrances:

Lavender

Lavender is well-known for its calming and soothing properties. The scent has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation, making it an ideal choice for creating a peaceful atmosphere, especially before bedtime. It is excellent to spray your bed with Lavender to help you to sleep.

Citrus

Citrus scents, such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit, are known for their uplifting and energizing effects. These fragrances can help improve mood, increase alertness, and reduce feelings of fatigue, making them perfect for kick-starting your day or overcoming an afternoon slump. It is proven also that women wearing citrus scents are perceived younger!

Vanilla

Vanilla has a warm, sweet scent that is often associated with comfort and relaxation. Studies have shown that vanilla can have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of well-being. This comforting aroma makes it a great choice for creating a cozy atmosphere at home or to help unwind after a long day.

Peppermint

Peppermint has a fresh, invigorating scent that can help improve concentration, focus, and mental clarity. Its stimulating effects can also help alleviate feelings of fatigue and increase alertness. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to stay sharp and focused during work or study sessions.

Rose

Rose is a classic floral scent that is often associated with love and romance. The fragrance has been shown to have a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of tranquility. This makes it an ideal choice for setting a romantic mood or simply creating a peaceful environment for relaxation. Rose essential oil is a also proven to be anti-aging for your skin.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus has a fresh, cooling scent that is known for its ability to clear the mind and promote focus. The fragrance can also help alleviate congestion and promote clear breathing, making it a popular choice for those suffering from colds or allergies. This invigorating scent is perfect for maintaining mental clarity and focus, especially during times of stress.

Jasmine

Jasmine has a rich, exotic aroma that is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. The fragrance has been shown to have calming properties, helping to alleviate anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. This makes it a great choice for creating a serene atmosphere or helping to unwind after a challenging day.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon boasts a warm, spicy scent that can evoke feelings of comfort and warmth. This fragrance has been linked to increased alertness, focus, and even a mild aphrodisiac effect. Cinnamon's invigorating aroma makes it an excellent choice for stimulating the senses and fostering a sense of coziness in your surroundings.

Researchers have found that the use of scents can help reduce anxiety amongst patients. For example, lavender can reduce claustrophobia in MRI facilities, calm pre-surgery and dental patients, and can reduce patient cancellations.

On the other hand, neutralizing unpleasant odors for patients with a heightened sense of smell will also soothe and comfort. Citrus uplifts and helps ease anxiety.

Scents and Business

Scent-based (olfactory ) business wasn't something new in the market. Starbucks has been using olfactory marketing since it opened its first store in 1971, long before other brands began experimenting with scent in stores. In addition to brewing coffee, Starbucks pumps out its own proprietary blend of scents into stores every day that helps create an inviting atmosphere while conveying the message that Starbucks is synonymous with quality coffee beverages. This helps make Starbucks stand out from competing coffee shops and keeps customers coming back time after time.doesn’t just happen in physical stores; online retailers are getting in on the action too!

Scent branding is an excellent way for businesses to stand out from their competitors and create memorable experiences for customers. By choosing a signature and unique scent carefully crafted to reflect their core values, businesses can increase customer satisfaction levels, loyalty over time, and overall engagement with their brand. So if you’re looking for ways to make your business stand out from the crowd, consider incorporating scent branding into your marketing strategy today! Need help?

In conclusion, the role of scents on your brain and mental health is undeniable. Whether you're seeking to boost your mood, alleviate stress, or simply create a more balanced and inviting home environment, harnessing the power of fragrances can be a game-changer. The sense of smell is a gateway to your emotions and well-being, so don't underestimate the impact of scents on your daily life. Take the time to explore different aromas, experiment with scented products, and discover the scents that resonate most with you to create a happier, healthier, and more balanced existence.