The five senses are our innate and essential mediums for perceiving the world. However, amidst the regular yet hectic daily life, have you noticed your senses becoming increasingly dulled, to the point where you can hardly detect the accumulated physical and mental fatigue? Here, I share the five-sense healing method to help you relax your body and mind, and embrace new challenges anew!

-Discovering Your Favorite Relaxation Methods Through the Five Senses

(1) Auditory: The Magical Power of Music and Sound Have you ever burst into tears upon hearing a sad love song after a breakup, or felt an immediate surge of excitement upon hearing upbeat music in a bar? Music and sound are highly infectious and can significantly influence our emotions. When we are weary, we can play some of our favorite music or some instrumental ambient music, allowing us to completely empty our minds and focus on each pulsating note.

(2) Tactile: The Happiness of Touch Psychologically, intimate physical contact with friends, lovers, pets, etc., helps us secrete oxytocin, thereby enhancing our sense of happiness. For physical fatigue, we can also get a massage or spa to relax our tense muscles. Other simpler tactile relaxation methods include sunbathing and bathing.

(3) Visual: The Aid of Colors and Visuals Many people’s visual relaxation methods may involve scrolling through their phones or watching TV, but sometimes an overload of information can make us even more tired. It is recommended to watch some nature-related images or directly go to the balcony or walk outside to see the greenery, allowing the eyes and mind to rest well.

(4) Olfactory: The Memory-Laden Sense of Smell Unlike other senses, the olfactory molecules bypass the thalamus and go directly to the amygdala, which processes emotions, and the hippocampus, which handles learning and memory. Therefore, the sense of smell has a more direct connection with emotions and memories. For example, the scent of osmanthus may remind you of the osmanthus cake your grandmother once made for you. Olfactory relaxation methods include buying some of your favorite aromatherapy, perfumes, shampoos, etc., and letting these relaxing scents surround you, inhaling them calmly.

(5) Gustatory: The Soul-Satisfying Comfort Food Comfort food can provide greater solace to the soul than imagined. No matter how tiring the day, just coming home to a delicious meal, not necessarily expensive, but something you love, seems to give you the strength to carry on. Remember not to gobble down your food; savor the taste carefully and enjoy the satisfaction of the moment slowly.

-Designing and Practicing Your Relaxation and Healing Journey

Each of us is unique. Instead of blindly following others’ healing methods, it is better to find the one that suits you best and do what you love. Incorporate self-care into your daily life, planning a fixed self-care time each day, such as listening to your favorite music or having a favorite drink on your way to work. During the process, pay attention to your emotions and feelings. For instance, when feeling tired or anxious, try deep breathing or relaxing tense muscles, reminding yourself to maintain a positive attitude and mindset. Even amidst busyness, take time to relax and use your five senses to discover the beauty around you.