How Smell Shapes Memory

Discover how our sense of smell can transport us back to meaningful memories, shape our emotions, and influence the brain systems involved in memory and mood.

Summary: Smell is one of our most powerful and underappreciated senses, with a unique ability to evoke memories and emotions. On this episode of The Science of Happiness, we look at the science behind smell’s close relationship with memory, emotion, and our environment and we explore how paying attention to the scents around us can bring us back into our bodies and help us feel more connected to the present moment.

How To Do This Practice:

1. Step outside: Spend 10–15 minutes somewhere you can notice natural scents, such as a park, garden, or neighborhood.
2. Breathe through your nose: Take a few slow breaths in through your nose and notice the scents carried in the air.
3. Pay attention: Notice what catches your attention; don’t be concerned with trying to identify smells
4. Follow your curiosity: Move toward different plants, trees, flowers, or other natural elements and see how their scents change.
5. Notice what comes up: Pay attention to any memories, emotions, or sense of place that a particular scent evokes.
6. Stay present: Take a moment to appreciate the experience and notice how you feel after giving your sense of smell your full attention.

Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.

Today’s Guests:

SAMIN NOSRAT is a chef, TV Host, and best selling author of the book "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat."

ciaosamin.com

LUCIA JACOBS is a Professor Emerita of Psychology at UC Berkeley. psychology.berkeley.edu/people/lucia-f-jacobs

Related Science of Happiness episodes:

What Humans Can Learn From Trees: https://tinyurl.com/48te84ps

Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/ysbwrnr4

An Awe Walk Through History and Possibility: https://tinyurl.com/mr3arrbc

Related Happiness Break episodes:

How to Be in Harmony in Nature—Wherever You Are, With Yuria Celidwen: https://tinyurl.com/5n6pfsn2

How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm

The Unexpected Joy of Slow Looking: https://tinyurl.com/4uudwwc2

Message us or leave a comment on Instagram @scienceofhappinesspod. E-mail us at

happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

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Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/368p4u5v