Smelling good today?
Did you know that scents speak directly to the part of your brain that connects you with your memories and emotions? You can’t escape a scent. Scents remind us of the good stuff: loved ones, favorite foods, childhood places. Scents help us to remember comforting situations like that wonderful vacation in Bali. Fine scents support us in keeping our spirits up. That’s why guarding our airspace should be on our “atomic habits” list. Scents help us to stay calm in times of turmoil. Breathing in deeply widens the space in our lungs and gives our brains a break. Aromatherapy is powerful stuff.
The cooler the temperature, the more HOME is the place to be. That’s the very location where you are the chief commander over your realm, including the airspace. So, it better smell good. It can be so easy to help ourselves create emotions of comfort. Fresh air, of course, is the preferred option. But then … the garbage truck just passed by, your neighbor is a chain smoker, and nice fresh air isn’t available at the moment? Your teenage child suffers from an overdose of aftershave or an underdose of soap & deodorant? Your dog has yet another bad breath day, and you don’t have any air freshener around? Do not panic. No need to rush to the doctor’s office. The remedy is just a few steps away. For the instant kick of aromatherapy, simply step into your kitchen. You’ll find everything you need. All natural, inexpensive and highly effective:
ROSEMARY instantly reminds you of roasted chicken. Think of that trip to Rome, or your favorite Italian Osteria just down the road. Inhale it deeply: The intense scent of rosemary (fresh or roasted) with its disinfectant qualities will clear your head. It is stimulating, strengthening, refreshing and uplifting. Speaking of it:
CLOVES not only smell great, but they are also strong natural disinfectants and highly anti-inflammatory. If you have pain in your teeth, chew on cloves. They are natural painkillers. For a long-lasting olfactory experience, let cloves simmer in a pot of water. The scent will fill your home in an instant, for hours to last. My friend Tamar showed me this trick: Whenever she prepared fish, she had a handful of cloves simmer in a pot. – You can also add cloves to an apple compote. Speaking of it:
CINNAMON, for those of you who don’t mind a little Christmas feeling in the midst of May. Or whenever. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and disinfectant power. For most of us, it is a soothing, comforting scent that speaks of safety and good times with our families. Cinnamon sticks are a natural sweetener for your fine cup of espresso. Speaking of it:
Last but not least: Make ESPRESSO. Lean back, breathe in deeply, clear your head. Aaah, these magic coffee hormones. If coffee isn’t your thing, maybe EARL GREY TEA, with its (scientifically proven) antidepressant Bergamot flavor, is? Same principle: fragrant messengers of instant happiness. – With or without caffeine: Why not enjoy all the endorphins that we can possibly get? Loads of endorphins, at any given time. At home, where we are the masters of our universe.
Step #13 = GUARD YOUR AIRSPACE
© Beate Brigid Schilcher 2021-09-19