The Best Candles for Stress Relief
For most of the world, the inevitable ups and downs of daily life have become a constant source of stress. That’s why it’s so important to find moments of calm through effective ways of relaxing and unwinding. One simple yet very powerful way of alleviating stress is through the use of candles. That’s right, the humble little candle is so much more than a small flame! When infused with essential oils that promote a sense of calmness, candles for stress relief offer multiple benefits. The gentle flicker of the flame creates a soothing, comfortable environment in the room, and the fragrance provides a wide range of benefits through aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy has been practised for hundreds of years, and to this day essential oils are used to relax, reduce stress, and improve mood. It works well because our sense of smell is directly linked to our limbic systems, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions, feelings and memories. Have you ever smelt something and been instantly transported to a memory of your past? Sometimes you can place the smell and other times it simply feels familiar and soothing. Smells can trigger a variety of calming bodily responses, such as a release of the happy hormone, serotonin. This is why scented candles are so often used for stress relief. But which scents will be best for you?
The Best Candle Scents for Stress Relief
To help you get started with an aromatherapy stress relief candle, we’ve not only created a list of the best candle scents, but we take a look at how and why they work. Sometimes the best candle scents for stress relief come from combining more than one scent, to further increase the benefits that aromatherapy can offer you.
- Lavender
Lavender is one of the best-known scents for stress relief. It’s been well-researched, and that research has shown one of the compounds found in lavender can reduce stress and promote an overall sense of calmness. It’s also particularly helpful for insomnia and other sleep-related struggles, so lighting a candle scented with lavender while you get ready for bed can help you unwind before settling down for the night.
- Chamomile
Chamomile is another well-known scent for bringing a sense of calm to the mind and body. It works in a similar way to how anti-anxiety medications work and is thought to help the brain relax the body. Melting candle wax scented with chamomile is the perfect way to destress while meditating, reading a book, or practising yoga, all of which strengthen the connection between mind and body.
- Eucalyptus
With a refreshing, invigorating scent, eucalyptus candles can help to clear the mind. It is also widely used to help clear airways, particularly when you are sick, to enable breathing more deeply. Eucalyptus is a scent often used in spas, and you can recreate that sense of tranquillity at home with a eucalyptus candle. This scent is best used when you need to destress to concentrate, so why not pop one in a home office?
- Vanilla
Vanilla is a familiar and comforting scent to almost everyone. Triggering memories of baking in the kitchen, good food that you’ve eaten, and calm atmospheres such as beauty treatment rooms, you can elevate your mood easily with a vanilla-scented candle. It’s often associated with warmth and comfort, making it the perfect scent for stress relief candles. They work well in every room to create that cosy and warm atmosphere, especially in the colder months.
- Jasmine
Jasmine has been used in ancient medicine for hundreds of years and is still used now in holistic medicine. This sweet, floral fragrance can help to reduce stress while uplifting your mood. Jasmine scented candles are ideal for personal relaxation, or why not light one at your next social gathering to lift everybody’s mood?
- Sandalwood
With a rich, earthy and wood-like scent, sandalwood has a grounding effect on the body. It’s commonly used in meditative practices to centre the mind and body and promote feelings of clarity and peace. But sandalwood candles are not just for meditation — you can breathe in the calming scent of sandalwood in any area of the home or office to create a more serene atmosphere.
- Rose
Rose is commonly associated with feelings of love and acceptance. Although this highly floral scent is not for everyone, those who love the smell find it promotes feelings of tranquillity within their body. It’s a great choice for emotional balance because studies have shown it can help to reduce anxiety and lower stress levels. You could try a rose-scented candle in areas such as living rooms or meditation rooms, creating a warm, comfortable and inviting space.
- Citrus
Lemon, orange and lime are all highly popular citrus scents that help to energise your body and lift your mood. Citrus scents are used to promote feelings of happiness, so it’s no surprise this is a firm favourite among those who use aromatherapy techniques regularly. Citrus scented candles are perfect for daytime use and many people use them in their kitchen and living spaces. If you’re hoping to boost your energy levels during the day, a citrus candle is the one for you.
What are your Favourite Candles for Stress Relief?
Ultimately, whichever calming candle scent you choose you will experience the many benefits of an aromatherapy candle for stress relief. The best reliever of stress is the release of serotonin, so choosing a candle with a scent that you like can make all the difference. Why not choose a scented candle to match your mood that makes you feel happy and joyful?
Any of these options will help to relieve stress and give you something to look forward to at the end of those long, busy days. Aromatherapy candles are an excellent tool for self-care and by setting aside a few minutes each day to breathe in the scent of your favourite candle you’ll undoubtedly improve your mental and emotional wellbeing. So, which stress relief candles will you choose?