How scent can transform your wellbeing

Mind Sense & Soul: Scent

Our sense of smell used to play a vital part in our evolution and survival, but although we rely less now on it now for that than our eyes and ears, we often take its importance for granted. 

As well as being responsible for 80% of what we perceive as flavour, smell still helps us sense danger from things like gas leaks, smoke and rotten food. It is also however, the only sense that affects the parts of our brain linked to memory and emotion, which is why aroma can be a fantastic, natural tool for improving our psychological well-being. It can be as simple as the waft of a good scented candle or diffuser when you walk into a room. 

Aromas can be used to calm, enliven the spirit, subconsciously unleash desires and help us to feel safe. Inhaling them in the form of essential oils or just stronger scents too can help to produce serotonin and dopamine, which in turn helps to regulate mood.

Smell training

Have you heard of Proust and his madeleine cakes? The power of aroma to unlock memories and feelings is immense, so why not use that super power to your advantage and teach yourself to be calm or positive with practice? Pick a specific scent to inhale when you’re feeling a certain way, do that a few times and soon, you’ll find that you get that feeling back more easily every time you smell that aroma again. 

Smelling practice has now also been proved to stave off dementia (read more on that below). A study was also done with sommeliers, which showed that the parts of their brains associated with smell and memory were thicker than non-somms thanks to their years of practice smelling wine and considering the complex aromas. Finally, some good news about what I do for a living!

Which aromas for what? 

Certain herbs and flowers have been proven to have positive benefits, so it’s not just a case of spritzing yourself with Chanel. 

For reduced stress, anxiety and depression, try bergamot, lemon balm, rose and sweet orange.

For sleep, try lavender.

For positivity, try cedarwood and sage.

For focus and calm, try sandalwood.

For mental stimulation and an energy boost, try peppermint.

For sexy time, try cinnamon and jasmine.

For headaches and nausea, try ylang ylang and ginger.

There are links to full lists at the end of this article.

Scenting your home or even just a room or two could do wonders for your sense of wellbeing in a quick and inexpensive way and right now, as many of us are locked down, we could all do with a treat. So, go and find those candles, dim the lights and breaaaaathe!

Are you worried about losing your sense of smell? Anosmia has a perhaps surprisingly big effect on your mental health. Get help and support at www.fifthsense.org.uk

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Articles

Why smell is important

Fifth Sense: The psychology of smell

Losing the sense of smell could be the sign of larger health issues. Here.

The benefits of specific aromas. Here and here

How tasting wine can help stave off dementia. Here.

Books

Aroma: The Cultural History of Smell by Constance Classen

Essential Oils Reference by Dr Raskin

Podcasts

Behind the aroma

The Lab Aroma Podcast

Aromatic wisdom: the voice of aromatherapy

Watch our other MInd, Sense & Soul videos at thethreedrinkers.com/balance

Anantara Kihavah - A Serenity Like No Other

Have you ever closed your eyes and envisioned yourself sitting on white sand shores looking out across endless turquoise seas? A place so tranquil, it’s almost like you’re in a trance without a care in the world. A luxurious slice of heaven doesn’t even begin to describe the travel destination of Anantara.

My latest dose of said serenity saw me traveling to the remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Yes, the Maldives. This picturesque oasis is indeed what you’ve imagined from having seen all of the photos, in fact, it actually looks better in person. The subject of this particular story is, a retreat that holds a reputation as being one of the most tranquil getaways on the planet. 

It all starts with the moment a hand reaches out to help you off the boat that has brought you ashore. Inspired by nature’s magnitude, mystery, and enchanting beauty, you can’t help but think you’ve been transported back in time to a place where simplicity was everything, yet there’s a refined luxury that sits effortlessly in the background. No phone, no laptop, no worries, just letting your mind peacefully wander through the jungle pathways, feeling the warm equator breeze against your skin.

The Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are tucked away on a private island, which is found on the Baa Atoll in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, in the picturesque Maldives. The history of the island goes back as far as being a pitstop for Arab traders navigating the waters by sail from archipelago to archipelago. Riddled with mango, coconut, and papaya trees, the Anantara Kihavah island was in no short supply of edible goods and canopy coverage from the elements. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the island paired with the local pre-historic volcano, colorful coral reefs, and clear nights full of stars drew in seafarers from around the globe. Such attractions are why the Anantara resort found its home and fame.

The design of the resort kept the well-being of the natural island in mind. No tree was removed in the construction; everything was built into and around the trees, rocks, and vegetation. The end result marries Indian Ocean, Arab and Portuguese motifs with indigenous materials in the 80 available villas, either on the ocean or over private pools, and the various eateries and bars onsite. You can imagine the most instagrammable hotel hashtag is a fair title.

As expected, the beach surrounding the island is stunning and as you venture out to the more remote stretches, they become even more turquoise, evermore blissful. You may even find yourself as I did, gently lifting your sunglasses every now and again to truly appreciate just how crystal clear the ocean really is.  

When looking to book a stay, consider which of these two matches your designed vacation vibe: Maldives water villa or Indian Ocean beachfront. With the latter, your shoes will be off and the ivory sands will be tracked everywhere. You’ll hear the waves crashing and view the classic beach sunsets every night. But, if sand is your foe, enjoy your very own private infinity pool instead for that early morning swim or take an afternoon snooze on your swinging daybed. Of course, each villa, no matter its location on the island, comes equipped with the latest technology and entertainment for your comfort. Every detail thoughtfully considered with the guest in mind: fluffy pillows, soap menus, beach totes complete with sandals, wine fridge, yoga mats, bicycles, and more! The villas and residences at Anantara can host anywhere between one and twelve guests.

It might be tempting to relax the days away in your villa, but there is so much to explore on the island. The vibrant green foliage is a sight to see whether on foot or bike. Be sure to back your camera or phone to snap some shots for the ‘gram to make all your followers just a tad jealous of this tropical getaway. Head over to the spa or wellness centers for a taste of true tranquility. Harmony and holisticness sit at the core of your desired treatments. As the sunsets cast your eyes to the sky with one of the largest telescopes in the world. See the far expense of the universe, planets, star constellations and galaxies like you never dreamed was possible.

The true highlight, however, just might be the dining options. If you’ve ever fancied a little mermaid experience, you can indeed dine under the sea. Land choices are available too. Whether your day calls for small bites or entrees, Anantara has you covered. Each restaurant and their offerings are inspired by the surrounding environment under the theme SEA.FIRE.SPICE.SKY. You’ll have varying cuisine selections complete with a gorgeous Indian Ocean backdrop. Foodies especially are sure to gawk over the whole experience.

Then there’s the wine, led by Sommelier Arun. I’d go as far as saying this paradise has one of the most impressive wine lists in the Maldives and the knowledge behind it one of the most credible and knowledgeable in this part of the world. From the second I arrived my wine choices were looked after – every occasion had a delectable moment only heightened as your tastebuds intertwine with the incredible views before you. If wine is your passion and you’re debating which Maldives property to visit – your decision has just been made. Chatting away with Arun and his team about their worldwide experiences and passions for the grape and grain made the visit even more worthwhile. This island hosts a family of people, not a staff, built on a foundation of passion and love for what they do and that couldn’t gleam more brightly. 

Ultimately, this is one of those places you build an emotional bond with. When you arrive, you are filled with excitement and wonder, ready to re-connect, listen and evolve. When you leave, you are sad, as if a part of you will be missing. It’s true – places like this are much more than a ‘holiday destination’ – they impact our ability to truly think about our lives, our feelings, our purpose and whether we realise it or not upon returning to our homes, they leave a notion of inspiration – an inspiration to one day return and feel that serenity once more. 

This doesn’t have to be some offshore, distant dream. Book your stay at the magnificent Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas today. The island is calling you to sail away.

For more information visit https://www.anantara.com/en/kihavah-maldives/

Aromaster Master Wine Kit

The folks over at Aromaster have created an extensive kit aimed to help educate wine enthusiasts about the variety of aromas coming from their wines, which will further improve one’s tasting abilities. Master Wine Aroma Kit was developed by sommeliers to be viewed as a library of wine scents. Use the library as an educational tool or a friendly game to test your nose.

The kit combines the 88 most common scents found world wide in sparkling, white, red, and sweet wines, a manual of how to appropriately use the aromas, the Wine Aroma Wheel Booklet, a board game, and four metal tokens designed by artist Yves Lemay. The aromas are split into the following groupings: fruity (white or red wine), floral, vegetal, mineral, yeast, malolactic fermentation, maturation in oak barrel, aged white wine, aged red wine, and wine faults. The Wine Aroma Wheel Booklet is a visual representation of the most common aromas found in wine; this will become your greatest companion during tastings. The board game allows players to travel across wine producing regions of the world and tests their ability to appropriately identify wine aromas. Use the four metal tokens as game pieces.

The Master Wine Aroma kit really has thought of everything—educational, fun, and some friendly competition! Check out Aromaster’s other aroma based products covering cognac, whisky, beer, sake, coffee, and cigar and become an all-around aroma master!

Available now for £299