Stress Relief and Self-Care: Let's Light a Candle!

There are many ways to take care of ourselves and relieve stress in our lives.  One way suggested by many to achieve this goal is to light a scented candle.  Let's take a look at the benefits of lighting a candle.

Did you know that lighting a candle can improve your mental health? The effects of a scented candle can relax and calm your mind.  

Let's look at what lighting a candle may do for our mental health.

1. Candles can help improve your mood.  The scent of a candle can help you relax and just enjoy the moment.
2. A scented candle can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting feelings relaxation and calmness.
3. Candles can help improve concentration due to its ability to make us calm and relaxed.
4. Scented candles can create a peaceful cozy atmosphere thus aiding in stress relief.
5. Scented candles help soothe our mind and help us relax.

According to a site called Fervor candlelight induced relaxation and reduces anxiety.  The scented oils improve mood, promote wellbeing, increases your energy and improves your immune response.

According to the literature specific scents have different effects. Country and Home web site have a list of what scents have what effect on your mind and body.  See their list below...(keep in mind we are all different and I would say the effects are individual.  For instance I don't like the smell of lavender.)

• Anxiety - bergamot, chamomile, lavender, rose, sandalwood 
• Grief - chamomile, rose, jasmine
• Fatigue - ginger, grapefruit, jasmine, juniper, peppermint, rosemary
• Stress - bergamot, citrus oils, lavender, rose, sandalwood, frankincense
• Tension - chamomile, frankincense, jasmine, rose, lavender, lemon
• Boosts energy - cinnamon, bergamot, eucalyptus
• Enhances sleep - lavender, rose, jasmine (put out your candle before going to sleep please)

One scent that I love that did make the list is pine.  At Christmas time I love to bring in the pine scent becasue it brings back many fond memories and it does seem to give me a peaceful mood.

If you decide to light a candle in your home keep safety in mind.  Here is a site that breaks down candle safety...Fire Safety and Candles

Also be aware that a candle can produce soot which can darken your walls and ceilings. Here is some information on how to avoid this type of damage...How to Reduce Sooting in Candles

My two go to places for candles are Bath and Body Works and Yankee Candle.  We are currently entering the holiday season there are sales going on so I think I will head to the mall today and buy a few candles.  I will also pick up a Candle Topper to help decrease the chance of soot.  

I hope you have a stress free day but if not you may try lighing a candle.

Take care!

KathieyV