The Many Benefits of Candles

Candles don’t just smell nice and look pretty–they’re good for you as well. Not sure how a candle can help improve your life? Here are nine benefits of candles, and aromatherapy more generally, that you definitely need to know about:

Ambiance

The most obvious benefit of candles is the ambiance it creates, both visually and olfactorily. Whether you’re looking to have a candlelit yoga session by yourself or to stage a romantic dinner for two at home, the right candle scent can help you create the mood you’re going for. Plus, the natural light of the candle flames looks amazing no matter what, especially when you dim the lights.

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Relaxation

If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, you should definitely light a candle as part of a relaxation routine. Bright overhead lights can be really harsh on our eyes, especially if they’re fluorescent. Instead, dim the lights and let the flickering flame of the candle soothe away your daily worries while the pleasant scent helps you relax. Just make sure that you don’t calm down so much you drift off to sleep while the candle is still burning!

Focus and Concentration

There’s a reason why many people like to burn candles when they meditate. It can help increase focus and concentration, not to mention promote a lower stress atmosphere that contributes to better meditation sessions. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned veteran, consider adding some candles to your routines to enhance the experience.

Energy and Alertness

While we mostly associate candles with relaxation, certain scents can actually help you feel more energized and awake. This is especially true of the citrus family of fragrances, which many people find increases their alertness. If you only burn candles at night to help you relax, try getting a more energizing scent and burning it in the morning as you prepare to go about your day.

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Reduces Stress

If you’re under a lot of pressure, burning a relaxing candle scent can help you chill out and start to release some of that tension. After all, there’s a reason that people often turn to aromatherapy when they’re under a lot of stress! To enhance the effect, practice some deep breathing exercises while inhaling your favorite scent to help calm you down physically and mentally.

Better Sleep

Less stress and more relaxation lead to better sleep. If you like to burn candles before bed, choose a soothing scent such as lavender to help you prepare to drift off to the land of Nod. Make sure to blow out the candle and fully extinguish the flame before you lie down to sleep. If you’d prefer to get the benefits of aromatherapy while you sleep, opt for a reed diffuser, room spray or an electric diffuser on a timer. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and definitely don’t go to sleep with one lit.

Improved Mood

Another cumulative benefit of all these effects is an improved mood. Because of the reduced stress, better sleep and increased concentration and energy, you’ll probably feel your overall mood begin to lift as well. A candle isn’t a one size fits all solution, but when combined with other lifestyle changes, aromatherapy can have a positive effect overall on your mood.

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Remembrance

While we often associate memories with visual cues, such as looking at photos, smells are actually a very powerful trigger for memories as well. If you’d like to recall a pleasant memory, try burning a candle with a fragrance that you associate with that event. For example, if you want to recall baking pies with your grandma, you might choose a sugar or apple scented candle.

Masking Unpleasant Odors

If your home smells a little funky, burning a scented candle can help mask the smell. However, before you try to cover it up, you should try to locate the source of bad smells in your home and do your best to remove the cause. A candle can cover up a little bit of mustiness, but it can’t make your home smell like something else.

Of course, candles make your home smell great and the flames are pleasing to watch as well. But candles provide so many more benefits beyond just looking and smelling nice. Keep these nine benefits of candles in mind the next time you’re wondering whether or not you should buy another candle. If you’re looking to give a candle as a gift, check out our personalized candles to find something for all your friends and family.