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Scents significantly influence our emotions and memories by affecting the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for these functions.
Fragrances evoke emotional comfort and relaxation.
Scents have a curious way of touching parts of our mind that words can’t. A whiff of jasmine might take you back to your grandmother’s garden; a hint of sandalwood could instantly calm your racing thoughts. While we often associate fragrance with luxury, attraction, or hygiene, science shows that scent is deeply intertwined with emotional memory and psychological well-being. In a world that constantly feels rushed and overstimulated, our craving for familiar, comforting aromas is, in fact, the brain’s way of seeking calm and control.
Why The Mind Reacts To Scent
According to Rima Bhandekar, Senior Psychologist at Mpower (Aditya Birla Education Trust), our emotional reactions to fragrance stem from how scents are processed in the brain. “Scents have the power to awaken and recreate feelings and moments from the past, such as childhood memories or calming experiences. Naturally, people are drawn to scents tied to feelings of pleasure or emotional comfort because they evoke instant relaxation and safety,” she explains.
This emotional recall is not imagined; it’s neurological. The olfactory system connects directly to the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotion and memory. That’s why a single scent can transport you to another time or rekindle a long-lost feeling within seconds.
From Luxury To Lifestyle: Fragrance As Emotional Design
As modern life gets busier, scent has evolved from a personal indulgence into a lifestyle tool. Ayushmaan Verma, Founder of Lume & Co., notes that fragrance has become “an invisible part of modern living.” He adds, “It’s no longer limited to perfumes or rituals. It now defines how we experience spaces, emotions, and even time.”
From home candles to office diffusers, people are now curating how their spaces feel, not just how they look. Verma observes that this shift has also redefined branding with companies using scent as a ‘sub-sensory marketing tool’ to evoke familiarity and emotional recall. The scent of a store, a spa, or even a hotel lobby can influence how we perceive and remember the experience.
The Therapeutic Power Of Everyday Aromas
“Fragrances have a profound impact on our emotions and memories because they influence the limbic system,” explains Ridhima Kansal, Director, Rosemoore. She points out that scents such as lavender, sandalwood, and citrus help calm the mind, while vanilla and rose evoke warmth and nostalgia. “What calms or energizes someone can differ because scent triggers are deeply personal and shaped by individual experiences,” she adds.
These emotional connections are what make fragrances an accessible form of ‘soft therapy’ — a sensory practice that encourages mindfulness and comfort through familiar aromas. Lighting a candle, wearing a favourite perfume, or diffusing essential oils can all serve as small, restorative rituals that ground us in the moment.
Scent, Memory, And Mindfulness
Whether used in a perfume bottle or diffused through a room, fragrance bridges memory, emotion, and presence. Our attraction to scent isn’t just about smelling good. It’s about feeling safe, soothed, and seen. In a fast-paced world, the fragrance we choose becomes a quiet companion – one that anchors the mind, uplifts the mood, and reminds us that calm can be as simple as a breath away.
Delhi, India, India
November 02, 2025, 10:48 IST
