Nostalgia in the Air
HOW FAMILIAR SCENTS BRING BACK MEMORIES
Have you ever caught a whiff of freshly baked cookies and suddenly found yourself back in grandma’s kitchen? Our sense of smell has a knack for transporting us back in time, thanks to a bank of 50,000 different scents tied to our memories. This little olfactory time machine plays a significant role in our daily lives, taking smells and turning them into emotional snapshots. Get ready to stop and smell the roses because we’re diving nose-first into the power of our nostrils. Scent-sational Memories The olfactory bulb processes scents at the front of our brain, the area that sends information out to the body. Odors go directly to the limbic system, the part of our brain that processes emotions and memories. When we smell something, our brains label it and remember our emotional response to it. So, when you smell those fresh cookies, your
mind tells you it’s a cookie and reminds you of the warmth and love you felt as your grandma baked when you were a child. Our nose also protects us by helping us remember smells associated with danger, like fire. Whiff a Mood Lift Scents also impact our moods and feelings. Certain fragrances, like lavender, can make us feel relaxed; others, like fresh citrus, may trigger a boost of energy. The nose and limbic system work closely together. Certain scents activate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin and activate emotions such as happiness. So, the next time you feel nostalgic, light a candle with a scent that reminds you of home, and your nose will transport you down memory lane.
Although it may seem odd to discuss preparing for spring in the dead of winter, many folks enter new seasons unprepared for how the change in weather can impact their health and safety. Here are a few helpful things to consider before winter finally gives way to brighter days. Will your wardrobe work for you? Spring will officially arrive on March 20. Does that mean the snow will instantly vanish, and the sun will stick around for hours each day? Not likely. Fluctuations in weather mark the start of any season, exposing you to potential health and safety risks if you’re not careful. The best rule of thumb is to keep your winter wear handy for at least a few weeks into spring — and to ensure your sunny-day wardrobe is up to date to help you enjoy the great weather once it finally arrives. Have you perfected your pollen protection? In addition to providing more opportunities to spend more time outdoors in the neighborhood, springtime allows many people to travel to other states to visit family and friends. Both scenarios can provoke serious allergic reactions if your body is unconditioned for increased pollen levels. Be sure to monitor allergy risks in whatever place you’ll be spending your time this spring, and check in with your physician before any major trips for advice on preparing for A Pre-Spring Safety Sweep
and avoiding allergens on planes. Pro Tip: Tomatoes, nuts, and blueberries can often help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and histamines. Is your skin season-ready? If you can’t wait to spend your days gardening in the yard or going for nice long walks once spring finally arrives, pause long enough to ensure your skin doesn’t feel the effects of spending too much time in the sun. Apply a strong sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before leaving the house, and use insect repellent to dissuade bothersome bugs from dining on your epidermis.
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