Scent Training
Scent training, also called olfactory training, is sniffing the same four scents daily for several months with the goal of improving your sense of smell. Loss of smell is a common symptom of COVID-19, and up to 60% of those who contract the virus experience a loss of smell within the first four days of onset. Many people regain their sense of smell soon after they recover, but for some it may take several months or even years for their sense of smell to return. Scent training is intended to speed up recovery for individuals who have not regained their sense of smell. Scent and mood are closely linked, and those who experience lost or reduced sense of smell are prone to low mood and depression. If your reduced sense of smell is affecting your mood, you may want to give scent training a try.
Starting as soon as possible will give you the greatest benefit, but even individuals who have begun scent training years after losing their sense of smell have seen improvement in their abilities over time. Researchers recommend that you commit to scent training for a minimum of four months, but those who train for longer can experience even greater benefits.