How I manage my stress and anxiety with the power of scent

As someone who deals with stress and anxiety daily, I know how challenging it can be to unwind and destress. Whether it’s a hectic workday, a crowded train, or a nerve-wracking meeting, I’m constantly searching for ways to calm myself down.

One of the best tools I’ve found is the power of scent. With the Mellow Sensory Scarf, specifically designed for sensory-sensitive people like me, I can manage my stress and anxiety more effectively. This scarf, infused with natural essential oils that release a subtle lavender scent when rubbed, helps me regain calm whenever I need it.

Stressful situations on the train and plane

Take train journeys, for example. I’m sure you’ve experienced it: the smell of food, strong perfumes, or body odors that overwhelm you, making you feel nauseous and uncomfortable. The same happens to me on planes, where certain smells can trigger me greatly. For highly sensitive or neurodiverse people, this can feel like a nightmare. In those moments, the Mellow Sensory Scarf is a lifesaver. One sniff of the calming lavender scent, and the tension melts away. For me, it’s the difference between a stressful journey and a peaceful experience.

Finding Calm Before Important Meetings

Another situation where I often use the scented scarf is before stressful, high-stakes meetings. I can get quite nervous beforehand, with my thoughts racing in every direction. But just by smelling the lavender scent, released when I rub the scarf, I feel a sense of calm. It helps me regain focus, allowing me to enter the meeting with a clear mind. This simple but effective method of stress relief is something many highly sensitive and neurodiverse individuals can relate to.

How I manage anxiety attacks with scent

Sometimes, it’s not just stress but anxiety that takes over, like in an elevator or other claustrophobic spaces. The scent of lavender helps me calm my breathing and avoid being overwhelmed by the situation. For people with anxiety challenges or sensory sensitivities, scent can be a powerful tool to feel safe and relaxed again. The scarf with scent gives me that option. It feels like I’m carrying a subtle piece of calm with me at all times.

Why scent is such a crucial tool for Sensory Overload

Psycholoog Dominique Walschaert, involved in the scarf’s development, emphasizes how important scent can be for people dealing with sensory overload. As he explains:

“In cases of sensory overload, the focus is often on auditory or visual stimuli because these are more easily observed. However, scents are just as impactful, yet often harder to pinpoint. With this scarf, you give individuals a positive alternative to regulate sensory processing. Just like using headphones or sunglasses, you gain the choice to bring yourself back to a state of calm. It’s no longer about enduring or escaping. It not only improves quality of life but also supports healthy coping mechanisms.”

A Product Developed for Sensory-Sensitive People

The Mellow Sensory Scarf is not just another product; it was co-created with people who are themselves highly sensitive or neurodiverse. We worked together to design a scarf that is not only stylish but also calming and practical. This means the scarf is truly tailored to the needs of sensory-sensitive individuals who face daily stress and anxiety. Thanks to the natural lavender scent, released only when rubbed, the Mellow Sensory Scarf offers a portable solution for sensory overload, wherever you are.

Finding calm in everyday life with the Mellow Sensory Scarf

Personally, the scented scarf has become one of the best tools in my daily battle against stress and anxiety. It allows me to carry a moment of peace with me in a world full of overwhelming stimuli. Whether you are highly sensitive, neurodiverse, or simply looking for ways to unwind, this scarf can make just as much of a difference for you as it has for me.

The scarf also gained media attention. Read one of the Dutch articles HERE.