WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SCENT ALCHEMY

It’s also referred to as ‘Scent Scaping’ and ‘Fragrance Zoning’. It’s getting a lot of air time at the moment, you’ll find articles about it all over the internet and in the glossiest of magazines, so what is it, why do you need it (if indeed you need it at all) and how do you get started?

Well, the first thing that I’ll mention that although this is something that is trending (and with good reason, but I’ll get to that in a moment) it’s not actually something new. It’s been around, some might say since the beginning of time - human time that is! Our ancestors, all over the globe used scent to create different spaces. Some were ritualistic spaces, some sacred spaces, but they knew how to carve out spaces by using scent. This is what this trend is all about. It re-emerged, if it ever truly left, in our newly minted pandemic world. Spending as much time as we did in our homes, for many of us it meant that we needed to create work spaces, living spaces, playful spaces and spaces to unwind in. Even with these different spaces carved out, it’s very easy for them to all lump and merge together leaving us feeling overwhelmed and claustrophobic. That’s where scent alchemy and scent scaping come in, a way to use our senses to create boundaries. Here’s what you need to know.

WHAT IS IT

I’m going to take a step back again, the idea that we have one big space that needs to be many different spaces for us - the work space, the rest space, the play space … then adding in how we need to spend our time and link these spaces with focus, with relaxation - getting more familiar with ways in which to become more productive and ways in which to calm and relax. I don’t know about you, but working from home can make everything seem a little blurred.

I have to admit, I love this trend because it links ancient practices back into our modern lives. This idea of using one of our most ancient senses to bring back a sense of control when things feel very much out of control. At its core, it is using different scents for different spaces and even for different times of the day or activities. From ancient cultures to modern-day wellness practices, scent has been used as a powerful tool to induce relaxation and focus.

So what does that mean for us at home? Well, apparently we are finding it harder than ever to focus. Whether that’s technology, recent events, constant context swapping or other factors. In a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, more than 75% of adults report experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in their daily lives. Stress is quite literally a killer for all things focus, creative and calm! This is where scent alchemy comes in - it's an excellent tool for creating environment to enhance whatever practice that you are trying to cultivate - whether that’s a calming and soothing atmosphere to enhance mindfulness and meditation practices or a focused and creative space for when you’ve got to get work done.

Easy right? Well, choosing the right scent is key to successful scent-alchemy. Different scents can have different effects on our mood and emotions and most importantly our memory.

HOW IT WORKS

Scent is one of the oldest of our senses - think about when we talk about the reptile brain, and it’s closely linked to memory and emotion. Our sense of smell is processed in the olfactory bulb, which is part of the limbic system - the part of the brain that is responsible for our emotions, memories, and behaviors. This is why scents can evoke strong emotional responses and vivid memories, even years after we first encounter them.

When we inhale a scent, the molecules of the fragrance interact with the sensory receptors in our nose, triggering a signal to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb then sends a signal to the brain's limbic system, which processes the information and elicits an emotional response. This is why certain scents can evoke feelings of relaxation, happiness, or nostalgia.

Research has shown that scent can have a powerful effect on our mood and behavior. For example, the scent of lavender has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels, while the scent of peppermint can help to improve focus and alertness.

Moreover, scent is closely linked to memory. Our olfactory receptors are directly connected to the amygdala and hippocampus, which are regions of the brain involved in memory and learning. This is why certain scents can trigger vivid memories and emotions associated with past experiences.

Given the powerful effects of scent on our mood and memory, it's no surprise that scent-scaping has become a popular tool for enhancing mindfulness and meditation practices. By choosing the right fragrance and creating a soothing atmosphere, we can help to promote relaxation and focus, and enhance our overall well-being.

CREATE YOUR OWN SCENT SCAPE

As with all things mindful, know what your intention is. The very first question you need to ask yourself is:

What do I want to do in this environment?

Do you want to calm down, perhaps meditate. Do you want to get focused? Are you wanting to tap into a little creativity? Or, are you wanting to reconnect with a particular memory. You see, aroma design, is the perfect vehicle for time traveling.

It you were aiming to calm and soothe yourself, well - selecting a fragrance that would promote this is your goal. Some of the best scents for mindfulness and meditation include lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, and jasmine.

I often like to use scent to take me back in time. I’ll use citrus to bring back memories from my childhood where I felt safe, calm and curious. It can even feel like a little mental holiday doing this, using scent that remind you of wonderful places that you’ve traveled to.

Using essential oils is one of the most effective ways to create a desired atmosphere. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be used in a variety of ways, including diffusing, applying to the skin, or adding to bathwater. When diffused, essential oils release their aroma into the air, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere.

Whether you're just starting out with mindfulness and meditation or are a seasoned practitioner, adding fragrance to your practice can take it to the next level.

HERE ARE SOME OF MY C.ME CANDLES THAT I WILL USE TO SCENT SCAPE