Who would have thought tea tree oil could fight dandruff? On Wednesday, 29th October 2025, RC4 residents discovered these lesser-known benefits firsthand at the Linen and Room Spray Workshop, a hands-on session that promised both creativity and mindfulness.

Organised by ORC4RE, RC4’s wellness committee, and led by experienced aromatherapy practitioner Xinyi, the session demonstrated to attendees how scent can be a simple yet powerful tool for both mental and physical well-being. Ever wonder why the faintest smell of rain can remind you of home, or a whiff of an old perfume can instantly bring up a core memory? Well, it’s because one’s sense of smell is directly linked to the brain’s limbic system, which is why certain scents can trigger feelings or memories.

Xinyi began by sharing the science behind aromatherapy: the idea that certain essential oils, when inhaled or applied, can influence mood and physiological responses. For example, chamomile eases muscle tension, eucalyptus clears the mind, while ylang ylang and lavender soothe stress and anxiety. She explained how even a few drops could serve as signals for the body to relax or refocus. “We want the workshop to remind residents that wellness can be built through small, everyday rituals,” shared Xinyi, the session facilitator.

The real show of creative expression began when each table was told to come up with names for themselves. For instance, a team decided to call themselves “Group Anti-Coriander” due to their collective hate for the herb, but in a rather unpredictable turn of events, ended up falling in love with its essential oil counterpart. Residents eagerly mixed oils and plant extracts, testing and sniffing all the while, as they tried to find the perfect balance between different scents.

Then began the crafting of personalised sprays, experimenting with blends that reflected their mood. Some opted for calming, sweet floral notes to ease sleep, while others went with sharp, energising citrus scents for focus. After finally finishing their chosen oils, participants carefully used pipettes to transfer their blends into spray bottles, topping them up with alcohol to complete their very own, customised room sprays.

“It was such a relaxing break from the week. I never realised how scents could influence how I feel until now,” said Anannya Madhu Kumar (Year 1).

More than just a creative exercise, the workshop was a gentle reminder that wellness doesn’t always require complicated routines. Sometimes, it’s the smallest rituals, like pausing to notice a scent, that bring calm into our daily lives. Through the simple act of blending oils, residents created fragrances along with moments of reflection and rest. In the midst of busy student life, this session offered a chance to slow down and reconnect with the senses. By the end of the workshop, the multipurpose hall smelled like a high-end spa, and everyone walked out proudly clutching their spray bottles. It was proof that RC4 residents might just have a future in fragrance creations.