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Privacy NoticeNeed a quick health boost? Try hacking into your senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Learning how to zone in to them and find a good balance so we’re not underusing any (typically we underuse taste, touch and smell), is the new wellbeing trend that’s fast – and free. And advocates claim “sensehacking” can make you feel happier, more alert, relaxed, motivated, help you sleep better and even stop you overeating. Professor Charles Spence, an expert in multisensory perception and author of the book Sensehacking: How To Use The Power Of Your Senses For Happier, Healthier Living, explains how it works: “In this digital age, you might find you’re using too much ‘sight and sound’. This means there’s an under-stimulation of We’ve slowed down and feel more aware the more ‘emotional’ senses – touch, taste and smell – and that can affect our health.
Tapping into your senses could help boost your mood, concentration and sleep levels
(Image: Getty)
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“More than just mindfulness, it’s about finding a better balance and consciously making some of our senses work harder by making simple changes.” He adds, “It’s fascinating to see how senses like touch and sound are working, often without our realising. For example, it’s scientifically proven that using a tablecloth makes food taste better and that shoppers spend up to 50% more when slow music is played.” Jasmine Eskenzi, co-founder of the app Zensory, is also passionate about sensehacking. “Why do we often get our best ideas when we’re in the shower or on a walk? It’s the senses we’re using.” Zensory is designed to teach you to tune into your senses and regain control of your mind, moods and time. It provides the tools you need to react to different situations as you go about your day, using soundscapes, touchpads, scents, breathing, tapping and taste suggestions. Now it’s being used by charities, hospitals and companies to help manage stress and improve focus.
Use micro moments during your day to tune into your senses
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“Not everyone has the time to meditate,” says Jasmine. “We’re showing people how to manage those micro moments to improve their days with the amazing powers we all have – naturally.” Here are some easy sensehacks you can try immediately… Touch Interpersonal touch is the fastest way to feel comforted. If no one’s around for a hug, go solo with a head scratcher or massage chair. Use a touch of nature to focus more. Keep a stone, pinecone or piece of bark to hand and reach for it as you’re working. Taste Studies show you can eat up to 30% more when you’re distracted. Turn off the TV and you’ll be able to taste and appreciate your food more. If you’re eating late, get calm in the kitchen by introducing ingredients that are beneficial in aromatherapy. Lavender and chamomile don’t just have to be smelled – try tasting them too.
Turning off distractions while eating can help you appreciate your food more
(Image: ‘I ‘sensehacked’ by disconnecting and doodling – I’m more energised than ever’)
Sight Feeling tired after lunch? Get out into the open air. Natural light will re-stimulate you. Ditch the beige! Dopamine dressing in brighter colours can not only give you a subconscious boost but benefit those around you, too. Smell Tap into the familiar scent of a favourite perfume, food or ambience to bring back the good times. Buy an essential oil diffuser for your home office. Had a stressful meeting? Change the scent immediately afterwards to mentally reset.
Spraying familiar scents can help us recall happy memories
(Image: Getty)
Sound Need to crack on with a job? Ask Alexa to play “binaural beats” rather than your usual playlist. Music without highs and lows or vocals and which uses certain tones will keep you focused. Let the sounds of nature soothe you. It’s scientifically proven that the more species of birds you can hear, the more relaxed you’ll feel. ‘I felt overwhelmed – sensehacking helped me focus’ Emma Swan, 33, is a training facilitator from Manningtree in Essex… “Sometimes I can feel like there’s just too much going on in my head. Tapping into my senses has transformed how I stay focused when I’m working and also when I’m trying to wind down. I’ve always got a lot happening, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Before I heard about sensehacking, I’d put the radio on or look at Instagram just to get a bit of head space. Of course, I’d get completely distracted from work while I wondered who was singing a certain track on the radio and watched videos of raccoons on YouTube. Now I use sensehacking, which has been so powerful. I ask myself, do I need to concentrate or wind down? Even if I only have a few minutes to get on the Zensory app while the kettle boils, I can disconnect completely to pinpoint which needs have to be met. If I’m frantic, I use my touch to relax by doodling on screen. If I need to feel inspired and energised, I know to get out into nature. It’s been transformative.” READ MORE: Click here for today’s top showbiz news Six steps to happiness from taking risks to planning thrills Instant solutions to beat stress within minutes from sky gazing to micro self-care MAFS UK’s Jenna: ‘Zoe wants kids but I’m too worried about their future’ Get exclusive celebrity stories and shoots straight to your inbox with OK!’s daily newsletter Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHealth
