Imagined Aromatherapy Relaxation
A guided relaxation in which students imagine pleasant smells (the ocean, freshly cut grass, warm bread) without using any oils or real scents, to avoid allergies. Students practice slow breathing, use their imagination and link sensations with a calm state.
How to play
- Students lie on their backs on the classroom floor or sit comfortably, with eyes closed or gaze lowered (1 minute).
- The teacher guides three slow breaths: in through the nose for 4 counts, out through the mouth for 6.
- First smell (1 1/2 minutes): "Imagine you're at the ocean; it smells like salt and wet sand..."; breathe slowly, linking that smell with calm.
- Second and third smells (1 1/2 minutes each): freshly cut grass in a park and fresh-baked bread, with details about the place, temperature and sounds.
- Coming back (1 minute): wiggle fingers, stretch, roll to one side and sit up; the teacher quietly asks which smell was most relaxing and takes a few answers.
Rules
- Stay silent throughout the relaxation.
- No real scents, oils or air fresheners, to avoid allergies and discomfort.
- Breathe at your own pace; if you feel dizzy, breathe normally.
- Roll to your side first and get up slowly.
Variations
Easier
Use a single smell with a short description and more breathing time.
Standard
Go through three different smells with detailed descriptions.
Harder
Each student chooses their own place and relaxing smell and imagines it silently for the last minute.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: do it seated in a chair or wheelchair with the back supported.
- Anxiety or autism: allow eyes open with the gaze on a fixed point, and give a heads-up before each change.
- Hearing impairment: hand out a written script of the smells to read beforehand and use gestures to cue the breaths.
Learning goals
- Relax through slow breathing and guided imagery.
- Link pleasant sensations with a calm state.
- Develop concentration and visualization skills.
Teacher tip
Avoid smells that might be unpleasant or tied to bad memories for someone; stick with neutral choices. Read the script slowly, with long pauses.
PatioLab has "Imagined Aromatherapy Relaxation" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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