It’s no secret that scents have the power to evoke emotion and take people back to certain points in time through one-of-a-kind olfactory magic. That’s precisely what the perfumer, Mandy Aftel, had in mind when opening the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents back in 2017. Ever since then, this museum of scents, tucked away in Berkeley, California, has gained and retained the attention of people from all walks of life, from perfumers to individuals curious about the experience.

Aftel was inspired to create this unique museum and display her collection of scents by the small-town museums of California Gold Country. The perfumer knew there would be an interest in such an archive becoming open to the public because many of the clients who visited her studio enjoyed being shown around and were fascinated by her collection of scents and artifacts.

Attracting visitors from Europe and Asia along with the museum’s Berkeley neighbors, the archive of scents is an experience to be had. Each item displayed in the archive was hand-selected by Aftel, and the collection took about 30 years to put together. This dedicated perfumer spent years buying centuries-old tomes from rare book dealers and antique book fairs alike, collecting ages-old perfume recipes.

Unlike in most galleries, where artifacts are secured behind velvet ropes and glass encasements, this museum makes it possible to touch and smell some of the different artifacts to fully appreciate the experience. Visitors can see items ranging from tin-lined antique apothecary cabinets full of herbs and spices to a taxidermy civet. One of the focal points is the “perfume organ,” which is a five-row display lined with vials containing hundreds of essences.

In addition to enjoying all the scents and artifacts the archive has to offer, many visitors get to meet Aftel, ask questions, and enrich the experience with her extensive knowledge, which she is happy to share. A ticket will allow a visitor approximately one hour to look through the indoor and outdoor parts of the museum. Visitors also get to enjoy a take-home kit that includes scent strips dipped in some of the natural scents found in the archive, along with a couple of other goodies.

If you’re a fan of smells and learning new things, the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents should definitely be a stop on your must-see museums list (assuming you have one of those). It’s a unique experience that is sure to stay with you for a long time.

Most people know that feeling after a big meal when the last thing you want to do is physical activity. However, walking after eating can be life-changing for the overall health of the body. According to physicians, people should consider a post-meal walk after breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and there are several reasons why.

After a meal, many people deal with issues like bloating or upset stomach. Walking is great for such situations. It gets the stomach and intestinal fluids flowing, helping the body digest food better. Doing exercise is also known to be great for the heart. It lowers blood pressure and the risk of heart problems. Surprisingly, quick post-meal walks of 10 to 15 minutes may reduce heart disease risk just like a workout.

Staying still after eating will make the body’s blood sugar levels spike, which isn’t good for the body. Walking after a meal helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes. Exercise is essential for staying healthy, but even a short walk can help with weight control. Walking burns calories and helps control the appetite, so the body is less likely to think about unhealthy foods between meals.

A post-dinner walk can help regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and have a good night’s rest. It also eases stomach discomfort after eating, which also helps with sleeping.

It is important to remember that starting a walk right after eating may not be comfortable, so it’s good to wait about 15 minutes before going.

How long a walk should be for good results depends on the goals. Walking for 10 minutes is enough for better digestion and general health but a 30-minute walk or doing 10,000 steps is better for getting fitter. It is also important not to overdo it by going too hard or jogging. A gentle walk is all the body needs to get the benefits without experiencing any problems.

The best part about walking after eating is that it requires very little time, yet yields big rewards. While walking after a meal is beneficial for overall body health, it can’t and shouldn’t replace exercise for people who are trying to get fitter or lose weight. Regardless of the end goal, putting on some shoes and taking a relaxed stroll is something that would benefit just about anyone.