The Power of Scent: How Handmade Scented Candles Can Uplift Your Mood?
The power of aromas has been utilized for centuries, and a majority of it has been through aromatherapy.
These handmade scented candles for mood and well-being create an atmosphere that relaxes and energizes you from within. The right candle can create the coziest ambiance and work wonders!
So, let’s discover the many ways scented candles help us feel better:
The Science of Scent
Ever been transported back to a cherished moment or an old memory after catching a whiff of a specific scent? That’s the power of scent!
Aroma has a deep connection to our brain’s emotion and memory centers. Here’s why:
1. The Science behind It
When you get a whiff of a scent, the molecules directly travel to the olfactory bulb in your brain. This area is closely associated with the amygdala and hippocampus, which control emotions and memory. The direct pathway from the nose to this center evokes vivid memories and strong feelings faster than the other senses.
2. The Creation of Positive Associations
A cinnamon-scented candle for home decor during Christmas. A rose-scented candle for a romantic dinner. Yes, these aren’t just for aesthetics. When you light particular candles during meaningful situations, you create enduring associations between the scent and the moment. So, the next time you light a cinnamon-scented candle, you’ll be transported back to a memorablepast Christmas celebration.
3. Emotional Healing and Productive Boost
Fragrances such as citrus and peppermint are commonly used by people when they work. They are great for boosting productivity! On the other hand, scents like frankincense or lavender are calming, so they are used for emotional healing and creating a peaceful sensation.
4. Candles and Aromatherapy–How it Works?
The practice of using natural scents to improve emotional healing and well-being is called aromatherapy. Fragrances and essential oils have therapeutic properties, and leveraging them creates an ambiance that’s perfectly suited to your mood.
How do Naturally Scented Candles for Aromatherapy Work?
Candles release fragrances when burned. This scent stimulates the olfactory system, triggering emotions, memories, and physiological responses. That’s why candles are a powerful tool to enhance moods. Here’s a simple guide for you to follow:
- Select the Right Scents
Choosing the right scent is key to accomplishing the emotional state you desire to be in. Some popular options include:
– Lavender, sandalwood, and chamomile are excellent for relaxation. They help you unwind after a long and hectic day.
-Citrus fragrances such as grapefruit, orange, and lemon provide an energy boost, making you feel refreshed and invigorated.
-Rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus help you focus by enhancing clarity and concentration.
-Amber, vanilla, and cinnamon are cozy and comforting scents that create an inviting and warm ambiance.
- Prepare the Scene
Create a soothing environment to fully enjoy the handmade candles’ advantages. Play soft music, dim the lights, and remove distractions. Then, light a candle in your favorite scent to set the space for rejuvenation and relaxation.
- Practice Mindfulness
Combine mindfulness practices with aromatherapy. When you meditate or do deep breathing exercises, light a candle. Focus on the flame and the pleasant aroma to enhance your experience and center your mind.
- Personalize Your Experience
You can layer scents to experiment. Accomplish this by burning more than one candle at once. For instance, you can combine vanilla and lavender for a cozy yet relaxing atmosphere. You can also combine peppermint and citrus for energy and focus.
Soy Wax Candles for Aromatherapy
Let’s dive into the realm of soy wax candles.
Scented soy wax candles are more than just decoration or DIY aromatherapy candle gifts for friends and family. They are an upgrade to your lifestyle! Just think about curling up on the couch with a book in hand as the flickering flame’s warm glow casts a serene ambiance. The air gets filled with the wonderful scent that immediately soothes your spirit without any of the harmful effects of paraffin wax candles.
Yes, soy wax candles are better than paraffin wax candles. Here’s why:
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
Paraffin candles are made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. Meanwhile, soy candles are made from soybeans, which are a renewable and biodegradable material. So, you make a conscious, eco-friendly choice when you light a soy wax candle! You also support sustainable practices for farming and produce minimal waste. From production to disposal, soy wax candles are a greener option for a healthier planet.
- Longer Time for Burning
Soy candles burn at a lower temperature than paraffin candles. This means soy candles last considerably longer, which extends the candle’s life, letting you enjoy your favorite fragrances for longer. You don’t need to restock constantly, which saves you money in the long run.
- Cleaner Burning
One common aftermath of burning paraffin candles is the black soot. This soot covers the candle jar and the walls, furniture, and ceilings. Meanwhile, soy candles burn much cleaner. They release minimal to no soot when burned correctly, which makes them safer for your home and indoor air quality. Trim the wicks about ¼ inch to enjoy a smoke-free and clean burn that’s safe for pets, kids, and people with sensitivities.
- Enhanced Scent Throw
When made of soy wax, handmade scented candles benefit include excellent scent throw. Soy has a low melting point, holding and releasing aromatic oils more efficiently. The result is a balanced and consistent scent that fills your room without overpowering you. Lavender, citrus, or vanilla, soy wax candles create a perfect sensory experience.
- Versatile and Stylish
Soy wax has superior scent, and they are also very stylish! From intricate handmade designs to sleek jars, they complement every type of home decor. Soy wax candles fit right in, whether the interiors are rustic, bohemian, or modern. Most candles made from soy wax are pieces of art, elevating your space with both stunning visuals and scents.
The Right Homemade Candle for Aromatherapy for the Right Moment
There’s no special occasion needed for lighting candles. It makes every moment feel special! Here are some ways you can use candles in your everyday life:
- A floral or citrus candle in the morning gives you a proper boost. You can light a candle as you sip coffee, journal, or stretch.
- A candle with a light scent creates a calm ambiance if you work from home.
- Use candles for an evening wind-down. Turn down the lights and unplug before lighting a soft-scented candle.
- You can use a candle during your meditation, bath, or skincare routine for additional peace of mind.
- When you host guests, placing a candle in the bathroom or living room makes your home more welcoming and thoughtful.
How to Take Care of Your Candles?
If you care for your candles, they last longer. So, if you want your candle to perform wonderfully and last longer, follow these simple tips:
- Trim the wick, ideally 6mm, before burning. Make sure to do this each time you burn the candle.
- Let the wax melt down the jar’s edges on the first burn. This prevents tunneling.
- Never burn candles for more than 2 to 3 hours.
- Store your candles in a dry, cool place. Never store candles in direct sunlight.
Candles are a great source of light. And they are an awesome tool for emotional health and self-care. You can change the mood of your home and create an environment that supports energy, relaxation, or focus with the right candle. That’s one of the biggest reasons why a lot of people nowadays prefer buying scented candles for mental health.
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FAQs
- How do scented candles improve mood?
Scented candles release fragrances that improve mood, positively impacting the limbic system in our brains. This triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with relaxation and happiness. The candle’s warm glow also adds to the relaxation, further uplifting your mood.
- How does Aromatherapy work for mental health?
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to improve mental well-being. It works by stimulating the olfactory system, which influences the brain’s memory and emotional centers.
Essential oil molecules travel to the brain through the olfactory nerves. When you inhale the aroma, it triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, regulating mood, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation.
- How Do Candles Impact Mood?
Candles impact mood through their soft lighting and scent. The fragrance molecules released in the air stimulate the limbic system, which affects our memory and emotions. The effect is the release of neurotransmitters that regulate our mood, such as dopamine and serotonin. Moreover, the warm, soft light mimics natural firelight, which reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
As a lifelong DIY enthusiast, Alex Barton is never afraid to go the extra mile to save a few bucks! From seamless interior decor hacks to effective DIY home renovation tips, he shares a myriad of his experiences for you to unleash your creativity.
