Candles have been used for centuries to create a serene atmosphere in sacred ceremonies. Although their minimal light sources and aromatic smells can offer a peaceful vibe, there are various other reasons you should burn candles in your house that can assist with your mental status and well-being.
There are approximately 300 active olfactory receptor genes ‘designed to identify thousands of fragrance molecules,’ based on a study by a peer-reviewed journal Scientia Pharmaceutica in 2016. By recording brain activity through an electroencephalograph, the research showed that fragrances notably regulated the activities of various brain waves and are in charge of different brain states. Moreover, several studies have scientifically backed up the benefits of aromatic plants in aromatherapy.
For such reasons, the fragrance from burnt candles can indeed help your brain state. In addition, the warm glow of a candle can be a much better substitute for your smartphone’s blue light. Altogether, read this article if you want to know some health benefits of burning candles in your home.
1. Help You Sleep Better
Obtaining good sleep quality during the evening is a problem for many individuals. Many distractions, such as devices and screens, can hinder you from maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. For such reasons, burning a candle at night can be a great solution if you’re having issues with sleeping.
Scented candles are ideal for better sleep since plenty of fragrances can help alleviate stress and provide relaxation. And so, it’s logical that these scented candles will also be good for getting proper sleep. Scented candles have particular chemicals that make your mind and body calm.
Yet, there are some essential precautions that you must consider. As stated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a third of all candle fires originate from the room where a person sleeps. And so, it’s crucial to blow the candles off before sleeping. Also, position your candle in a well-ventilated area away from combustible materials.
Overall, if you want to buy scented candles, particularly wax candles, you can research online to find resources like this guide to types of wax candles for your home.
2. Alleviate Stress And Offer Relaxation
It’s not hard to assume that some people have probably added a few candles while having a self-care ritual to reduce stress and add a calming atmosphere to their room. They do it because scented candles can help you feel better and enhance your mood, so, logically, they can also be ideal for lessening stress. Specific types of scented candles are used for aromatherapy to alleviate depression and anxiety, offer better sleep, and enhance the quality of life.
But how does it alleviate stress and enhance mood? For one, you can find essential oils in many candles. These are natural compounds coming from various plants that can offer health benefits. Essential oils are used in other cultures to promote physical, mental, and spiritual recovery. At present, their purpose is for relaxation and managing stress.
Some essential oils that are known to offer some health benefits are:
- Rose
- Lavender
- Ylang-ylang
- Sandalwood
- Jasmine
- Chamomile
- Valerian
3. Enhance Your Focus
Candles can particularly help enhance your productivity and focus. Specific kinds of scents revitalize the mind and make a person more productive. This benefit goes mutually with the pros of aromatherapy since the smells can enhance focus. Examples of scents that can increase focus are mint, orange, lemon, rosemary, and cinnamon.
Likewise, a burning flame has a great way of providing focus towards your daily life. More likely, a burning candle can signal that it’s time to concentrate—or in other cases, to relax. Candles can be a trigger and can significantly transform the look and vibe of a room.
Although it can be hard to read and study by candlelight, placing one near your tablet, computer, or workbook can cause a dramatic difference in your productivity.
4. Trigger Memories And Positive Emotions
Memories and emotions can be triggered by specific smells. When you associate a smell with a good memory, it can easily enhance your mood and produce happy emotions. Many studies back this up, showing how a scent can trigger positive feelings for someone who feels down. As such, scented candles can be good for you.
Yet, do take note that people can have a broad range of varying emotional responses to scents. Some kinds of scents, for example, might only be associated with sad or negative feelings. This could include smells that remind you of a deceased loved one or a tragic incident in your life.
Conclusion
Candles have been used for a long time. Today, they’re ideal for improving one’s mental state and well-being. There are many ways a burning candle at your home can benefit your health, such as those mentioned above. Overall, burning a candle can help you become less stressed and trigger positive memories. It can also induce a warm and calm vibe in your home.
