Coping Strategy #1: Aroma, Smell & Dyslexia

Have you ever walked past a café and felt a sudden wave of comfort? Smell is remarkably linked to our emotions. In this episode, we explore how that link could guide and support the dyslexic mind. Could essential oils or certain aromas help us focus or calm down?

We dig into the possibilities, the myths, and the simple ways to find out if aroma might be a helpful boost for you. There’s no promise of a miraculous cure, but sometimes small adjustments have big effects. In this minisode, we’re shining a light on how you can put your nose to work in a way that feels natural and fun.

Why Smell Matters for Dyslexic Minds

Our sense of smell isn’t just about detecting lovely or not-so-lovely scents. It taps into the deepest parts of the brain that connect with memory and emotion. For dyslexic minds, this might be more important than we realise.

When we sniff something familiar, we’re sometimes taken back to a specific time or place. That sudden recall can be a catalyst for focus or a mood shift. If you can pair certain aromas with calm moments, your brain may start associating that smell with a sense of clarity.

"When smell hits the senses, it sparks memories and can guide focus in surprising ways."

The Science Behind Essential Oils

Essential oils have been praised for centuries, but modern science is mixed on how they actually work. Still, many studies suggest that certain scents can have a mild effect on our nervous system. Is this guaranteed for everyone? Probably not. Yet some people report feeling more at ease or alert after a quick sniff of lavender or peppermint.

Essential oil supporters say they help adjust your mental state, while critics point to the lack of definitive proof. The truth may lie somewhere in between. If you’re open to testing new ideas, a little experimentation won’t hurt. Just remember that essential oils aren’t a fix-all.

Which Oils Might Help

If you’re curious about exploring scents, you’ll find plenty of options on the market. Some popular picks are:

• Lavender: Often associated with relaxation. May promote calm and better sleep.
• Peppermint: Known for its cooling effect. Some say it helps with clarity.
• Lemon or Citrus: These can feel uplifting, which might help with energy.
• Rosemary: Linked in some small studies to mental clarity and memory boosts.

Grab a small diffuser or apply a tiny dab (check safety guidelines first) when you need a moment of focus. Take note of how you feel. If nothing changes, that’s totally fine. But if you do notice a shift, even a small one, you’ve found a new trick for your tool kit.

Try It in Your Life

The best way to see if aroma helps is to do a quick test. Pick a busy workday or a study session when you’d usually struggle to concentrate. Keep an essential oil nearby and inhale it gently for a few seconds, then get back to your task. It’s simple but can be surprisingly telling.

Take mental notes. Did you notice a sense of calm? Did you find your thoughts a bit sharper? If the effect is positive, add this to your coping strategies. If not, you’ve spent only a little time and resources. No harm done.

Key Takeaways

• Smell is linked to memory and emotion, which can support mood regulation.
• Essential oils aren’t cures, but they may offer small, helpful boosts.
• Experiment with scents like lavender, peppermint, or rosemary for focus.
• Track how aromas affect you personally, since everyone’s brain chemistry is different.

We’re each on a journey to find what works best for our wonderfully unique minds. Even a tiny improvement in focus or relaxation can feel like a victory. If you’re open to smelling your way to better concentration, it might be worth a try.

Ready to dive deeper into the fascinating world of dyslexia-friendly strategies? Tune in to the full episode above, give it a good listen and see if scent might become your new favourite coping tool.