Every home has its own BO, or building odour. But we all become so used to it, we don’t realise it is there, except perhaps, fleetingly, when opening the front door on returning from a long trip away.
Sometimes the smells we don’t notice – the ones present at such low concentrations that we are not even aware of them, such as a faraway rubbish bin – turn out to exert the biggest impact on our mood and wellbeing. For some, the olfactory ambience of their home can lead to what is known as “sick home” syndrome. Thought to be caused by poor ventilation, mould and the accumulation of bad smells, the symptoms include headaches; eye, nose or throat irritation; dry or itchy skin; or mental fatigue. It is a topic of debate whether this is due to physical or psychological responses, but according to researchers, such as professor Joseph Allen at Harvard, it may be because our brains tag unpleasant smells as dangerous and thus keep us on high alert to monitor their source.
On the other hand, introducing a pleasant ambient fragrance is one of the most effective ways to enhance mood and wellbeing. Smelling lavender, vanilla or ylang ylang can help us relax when we are stressed; peppermint, rosemary or citrus can perk us up when we are struggling to be productive. The scent of the South American heliotropin flower is calming; probably because it’s one of the main constituents in Johnson’s baby powder, so, consciously or not, we are reminded of reassuring memories from early childhood. You don’t need a fancy candle or aromatherapy oil, though both work well; you might find the scent of baking or fresh air does the trick. Had a stressful meeting? Introducing a strong smell (freshly ground coffee, herbs or spices) can jolt you into the present, clear your mind and energise your senses.
Smells retain their ability to evoke specific memories and emotions for longer than other sensory cues such as pictures or songs, hence why many of us can conjure up the precise smell of our grandparents’ homes during our childhood. Surrounding yourself with the smells that remind you of a happy time – a holiday smell or the perfume of a loved one – can be all it takes to help bring those good feelings flooding back. This is known as the state-dependent reactivation of memories, moods and feelings; harnessing it could make you happier, one sniff at a time.
Sensehacking by Charles Spence is out on 14 January.
