Coffee Aroma Linked to Lower Stress Hormones and Improved Focus, Doctor Claims

Dr. Gia Pratama, a general practitioner and health influencer, stated that inhaling coffee aroma can reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation even without caffeine. He referenced a 2021 Scientific Reports study that showed a decrease in stress hormones after exposure to coffee scent, and a Journal of Environmental Psychology paper that found improved performance on analytical tasks when participants smelled coffee. According to Dr. Gia, the brain associates the aroma with an expectation of coffee, which triggers a mental shift toward calmness and heightened concentration.

The doctor emphasized that the effect stems from learned associations rather than the chemical properties of coffee, suggesting that simply smelling the brew can serve as a cue for focus and stress relief.