Candle Calming

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within”

-       Maya Angelou

What is it about Candles that makes them so calming?

There’s something automatically relaxing in the ritual of lighting candles isn’t there? Spending a few moments watching the gentle flicker of a flame puts the mind into a calmer state, bringing a conscious focus to the mind and quietening down the chatter.

 Candle Calming in 5 Easy Steps

1)    Set up a relaxing space. Pick a cosy, quiet & warm area where you won’t be disturbed by sound or other stimuli

2)    Light your fragranced candle of choice, as we are looking to create a relaxed calming mood choose one that might have notes of amber, sandalwood, clary sage, lavender or chamomile

3)    Allow the candle’s aroma to fill your space, maybe about 15 mins burn time, inhale and exhale deeply. Be intentional with your breath, releasing tension from your head to your toes. Acknowledging and breathing into all areas of physical stress you’re holding in your body.

4)    Choose relaxing ambient music, that enables a balance between clarity and calm

5)    Include the ritual of candle burning as part of a wider relaxation routine like Meditation, Yoga or Pilates practise

What are the best scents for relaxation and calming?

The effect that aromatherapy can have on our moods has long been studied and scientifically proven. The part of the brain that controls the memory and triggers emotions is stimulated when we process odours. When our receptors are triggered by learnt scents, our brain remembers the connection and calms.

This is turn contributes to the natural production of serotonin and dopamine which lifts our mood

The choice of scent you use will evoke certain moods, here we are looking specifically at calming and soothing properties.

Lavender

Lavender is soothing, calming and has been long used to aid sleep because of the relaxing effects of linalool, the fragrant naturally occurring alcohol found in lavender.

Chamomile

Chamomile’s gentle pleasing scent creates a soothing mood, restoring balance and calming the mind.  

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a scent traditional used in incense and associated with a deep relaxing meditation. It’s woody aroma calms and quietens the mind and often used as a base note in many aromatherapy blends than encourage unwinding.

Clary Sage

Clary Sage has a slightly sweet, clean and herbaceous scent with notes of amber and musk. It is said to have a soothing and uplifting effect on the mind, reducing anxiety promoting clarity.

Fygge candle in fine bone china pot

Fig & Vetiver for a cleansing & calm mood

Candlelight and it’s warming, calming nature blended with evocative fragrances are the perfect combination to create a simple, easy self care ritual and go-to answer to switch off and re-balance whenever you need it. 

You can find out more about my candles here and enjoy the indulgent scents for yourself