DEARBORN, Mich., August 15, 2025 –This National Relaxation Day, Lincoln invites drivers to pause, breathe, and embrace a moment of calm—right from the driver’s seat. Stress is an increasingly common passenger in our daily lives. A recent Wakefield Research survey1 commissioned by Lincoln found that 53 percent of Americans struggle to find a suitable place to unwind, making relaxation a real challenge.  

Recognizing this, Lincoln saw an opportunity to offer more than just a transportation solution; the brand aims to transform the cabin experience and bring sanctuary moments to life for drivers. Lincoln Rejuvenate is a multi-sensory in-vehicle experience available exclusively in the all-new 2025 Lincoln Navigator and on select trims of 2025 Nautilus is more than just a high-tech perk.  

Calandra Berry and Justine Nestorowich, two Lincoln Vehicle Harmony Engineers behind its development, partnered with Purdue University to see if the feature truly delivers on its promise. The project, called The Science of Rejuvenate, studied how the experience impacts stress reduction. 

“We wanted to see the proof in the pudding,” said Nestorowich, “and to have data from an engineering research study that validates the benefits of using Lincoln Rejuvenate.” 

The Science of Stillness 

The Purdue engineering research study2 titled “In-Vehicle Multi-Sensory Experiences Can Reduce Mental Stress” and recently published in Applied Ergonomics, suggests that Lincoln Rejuvenate supports short-term relaxation and can measurably reduce stress while stationary in the vehicle.  

“This work, made possible by a research and development alliance between Lincoln and Purdue, is a strong example of the real-world impact strategic industry-academic partnerships can achieve,” said Denny Yu, an associate professor in Purdue’s Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering who led this study. 

The study involved 43 participants who first underwent a stress test before each of the following conditions: 

• A control group without the Rejuvenate experience
• A group using Rejuvenate without scent therapy 
• A group using Rejuvenate with scent therapy 

Both groups in the Rejuvenate study showed lower heart rates and brainwave patterns linked to better emotional balance and deeper relaxation. It’s the same kind of body shift you might get from meditation, listening to calming music, stretching gently, or simply sitting in a peaceful place.  

Using brain and heart measurements (EEG and ECG), the study showed notable improvements: an average heartbeat decrease of 33 milliseconds and a 5-millisecond reduction in heart rate variability—both indicators of reduced stress and increased relaxation. 

Lincoln’s Rejuvenate experience taps into this same relaxation response, helping the mind slow down through heart rate variability. The study also observed a small bump in the alpha/beta brainwave ratio, a marker of a calmer, clearer state of mind. 

Participant feedback reinforced the results, with 98 percent reporting they preferred the Lincoln Rejuvenate experience over the control environment and 62 percent expressing interest in using it regularly. These findings underscore Lincoln’s commitment to credible wellness. 

Research Ready 

Berry and Nestorowich worked closely with the Purdue team to bring the study to life. Collaborating with university personnel, Nestorowich defined the study’s scope, developed protocols, moderated sessions, oversaw biometric tracking, and analyzed data. 

Berry focused on optimizing the participant experience—crafting scripts, moderating sessions, fitting biometric devices, and sourcing scents for the Rejuvenate group. Lincoln’s Digital Scent, developed with expert perfumers, uses tailored in-vehicle aromas to help to help engage multiple senses.

“I also gave a sneak peek at some of the new digital scents we had been working on which are now available,” she shared. “These scents are a big part of the Rejuvenate experience, using custom fragrances in the vehicle to help you relax, refocus, or just enjoy your ride even more.” 

Lincoln is committed to designing and engineering vehicles that elevate mood, enhance comfort, and support overall wellbeing, creating the ultimate sanctuary during stationary moments.  

 Lincoln Rejuvenate offers three distinct themes, each providing a personalized pathway to calm and relaxation: 

• Aurora Borealis: An ethereal visual and auditory experience inspired by the natural phenomenon. 
• Elements: A multi-sensory journey through the fundamental elements of natur
• Waterfall Meditation (in collaboration with Calm): An immersive experience evoking the serenity of cascading water. 

“In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to relax is more difficult than ever,” said Sonia Rief, global vehicle director, Lincoln. “That’s what makes Lincoln Rejuvenate such a differentiating feature, it reflects on our commitment to wellness. Supported by scientific research, it’s helping redefine how our clients use their vehicles and not just to get from point A to B, but as a meaningful third space to relax and recharge.” 

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1 Based on a survey by Wakefield Research commissioned by Lincoln with 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18+.

2 Purdue University’s engineering research study conducted in collaboration with Purdue researchers, used technology developed by Ford and was supported by the Ford Motor Company Fund.