Our lives are busy! Wherever we go, we are bombarded with noise and activity. You can think of crowded shopping centres, busy roads and workplaces filled with people, motion and commotion. This constant busyness can leave us feeling drained and weary. Our senses work overtime to process all this information without even being aware of it.
Scenting in both home (for example, using reed diffusers) and office environments (using scent machines) provides an opportunity to create some downtime and respite from overstimulating environments we experience daily. Neutral ambient scents are not strongly identifiable and will not necessarily bring back specific memories but will create an oasis in the storm of life – something we all need from time to time.
The Negative Impact of Sensory Overload
Sensory overload is when your brain receives more sensory inputs than it can handle. Remember, your brain is constantly processing information from all five of your senses. When this information is overwhelming, you will feel tired, stressed and anxious, and you may not even know why.
Studies show that for many people, just imagining a strong smell can cause negative feelings. However, the good news is that sniffing a gentle, neutral odour can reverse these reactions. This highlights a fact we already know – there is a powerful connection between the physical act of smelling and our emotional response to the scent.
The Usefulness of Neutral Ambient Scents
Up to now, scent marketing has focused on designing scents to stimulate positive associations and bring back memories of past events. While this has its place in creating brand loyalty, new evidence suggests that noses are ready for a break. Time and place!
Subtle, understated scents can have a grounding, calming effect by creating a quiet space while gently camouflaging other sensory inputs to reduce the impact of our overstimulated environments.
At Scent.ology, we understand that not every scent developed for our customers will be bold. We consider the uses and applications in your specific setting, along with the needs of your target audience, to find the perfect profile. There will be times when creating a neutral ambient scent is the way to go.
Contact Scent.ology today to find out how we can create the right scent for your setting, whether you are using scent machines or reed diffusers. Our scent experts are standing by to customise the right aroma to enhance your customer’s experience.
