The role of scents on human memory

Scent and memory are intrinsically connected. If you have ever walked into a home and smelled the inviting  scent of cookies or another yummy treat, you are doing much more than simply reacting to the present situation. As you smell the items baking, you are transported back to another time when you smelled something similar. Not only do you remember an event, but you recall how you felt at the time as well.

Scientists who have studied what happens in an individual’s brain when he or she is exposed to scent have described this as the Proustian Effect. The name was chosen to honor Marcel Proust, a writer who lived in the early 1900s. Proust was the first person to describe the effect that scent has on our memories.

The link between scent and memory can be used to your advantage if you are trying to retain information. In a study conducted with students who were preparing for exams, the participants’ ability to recall was greatly improved among the group who had slept in a room containing a rose bouquet the night before writing tests, when compared to the students who had not. The students in the rose scented room were able to recall the material they had studied almost perfectly.

Therefore, next time you are involved in a task that involves having to remember details for a school test or work project, why don’t you try using the gentle rose fragrance from Enchanted Mist  to help? Treat yourself to its calming aromatherapy qualities and make sure that  you can inhale its scent as you prepare for the task ahead.

To get even more benefits from this scent, have it warming in your bedroom or sleeping area. This will help  boost your memory and you will discover that  you  have a better ability to remember important details of your project.

Do you have any scents that trigger memories for you? 

How to Stage a Home - How Scents Will Entice a Buyer

Spring is often referred to as the best time to sell your home. The real estate market is so busy at this time with offers flying  back and forth and cell phones ring constantly. Everybody wants a deal and everybody wants to sell.

If you want to stage your home to get it sold quickly and for the best price, don’t overlook the effects that scents can have. Presenting your property at its best includes making sure that it is not only thoroughly cleaned but also that it smells clean. Adding a homey aroma when the house is being shown will make it easier for a prospective buyer to picture him or herself living there.

The first step when using scents to entice a buyer is to make sure that the premises are free from any unpleasant scents. The entire space must be thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom. Pay particular attention to this step if you have pets, since pet odours are a real turn-off for prospective buyers.  Even if you share your digs with multiple companion animals, you want to make sure that anyone coming to view the home never knows based on what your home smells like.

The next thing you need to consider when it comes to staging your home and scents is that cleaning products themselves often have an aroma. If you choose a heavily-scented one, it may turn off potential buyers too.

People who have sensitivities or allergies to airborne elements in their environment may not feel comfortable while on the premises. In a worst case scenario, the person may not even be able to finish walking through the home because they are experiencing distressing symptoms from the scent of the cleaning products. When you are cleaning your home before selling it, try to find products that are effective without a strong aroma.

When the time comes to show your home, make it as inviting as possible by introducing a scent that will make buyers feel as though they are already home. Consider  a welcoming scent like, Welcome Home  to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. To seal the deal, put some freshly-baked cookies on a decorative plate for your open house guests. The combination of a fresh-smelling home and tasty treats can only help to sell your home quickly.