Aroma & Room Design: How it affects energy level, mood, and emotions.

Season 1 - Episode 28

This is the third episode in our series about Room Design. We are discussing various design elements and how they impact stress, productivity, attention, and behavior. 

Have you ever been out for a walk and smelled something that triggered a memory? Our sense of smell can trigger memories and strong emotions, both good and bad. 

The olfactory nerve taps into the memory system of the brain. That’s why strong smells have a connection with memory recall, emotions, and behaviors. 

Let’s travel back in time a bit to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians practiced aromatherapy for both their physical and psychological wellness. Since that time, essential oils have been used for therapeutic purposes to attain mind and body well-being.

Some aromas wake you up, calm you down, or stimulate brain activity. Get creative! Have fun! Be aware of allergies!

Lauren discusses various ways to incorporate scents, such as a diffuser, a spray bottle, scented candles, and plants. She also explains the effect of certain scents, including:  

  • Lavender and Jasmine – have a calming effect.

  • Lemon / Citrus – enhances mental & physical performance and brightens the mood.

  • Rosemary – helps improve thinking, memory, and processing.

  • Cinnamon – stimulates brain activity and attention.

  • Peppermint - improves alertness & memory.

If you’ve been looking for ways to promote productivity or relaxation at home or in the classroom, introducing different scents might be what you need. Have fun exploring and experimenting!

Other related resources from The Behavior Hub: 
Blog Post:
Classroom Design with Aroma in Mind

Our Online Courses: 
Classroom Design with the Brain in Mind
From Wild Emotions to Tamed Feelings – How to Self-Regulate
From Conflict to Calm: Communicating with Challenging Children


Lauren answers this week’s listener question during the episode:
Do you have helpful strategies for dealing with students who have ODD-type behaviors in a school setting? 

Try-at-home tip:  Co-Regulation

Are you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help!
Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.

All Episodes