Smell is the only fully developed sense a fetus has in the womb, and is the most developed until age 10 when sight takes over. Because of the anatomy of the brain, olfactory signals reach the limbic system quickly and smell and emotion are stored as one memory. This explains why we remember as much as 35% of what we smell vs only 5% of what we see.
Nothing revives the past so completely as a smell that was once associated with it. Vladimir Nabokov
This is called a Proustian moment – a whiff of a scent bringing a torrent of long forgotten memories. Maybe it was your mother’s favorite scent or the spicy aroma of yogi tea when you enter the studio?
Odor-linked memories improve our health. Researchers found these memories are more positive than memories brought on by any other senses. They put us in good moods, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, improve social interactions, and instil a sense of optimism. They can inspire self-confidence, motivation, and even to help quit smoking.
The loss of smell affects over 50% of those between 65-80. And now significantly more due to COVID. Did you know you can strengthen your sense of smell? The first is to become consciously aware of scents in your daily life. Start sniffing. The next is using a neti pot. They look like a small watering can that you fill with lukewarm saline and pour into one nostril and out the other. Doing so regularly removes mucus and allergens, helps prevent sinus infections, headaches and other allergy symptoms. It is a great first line of defense especially for airborne diseases.
The allergy and flu season is upon us if you wish to learn more about a simple effective technique to cleanse your sinuses, improve your sense of smell and taste and lift your mood drop us a line. We have a few in the studio and I would be pleased to show you how to use them.
In the meantime go well, be well and get gonged