Most of us know or have heard how meditation and/or yoga can help us to feel better. It's not hard to find scientific proof about about how activities like this work to calm our nervous system and settle our mind, which is why everyone should try to incorporate mindfulness (such as meditation and yoga) into their self-care routines.
Sometimes though, we simply don't have the energy for mindful techniques and all we want to do is light a beautiful candle, stretch out on the sofa, take a bath, or curl up in bed to rest and relax; especially on rainy, cold or cloudy days. This indulgence isn't just our obsession for candles and calm spaces, it actually can make us feel better.
Neuroscience studies on the mind-body connection have demonstrated how our sense of smell is intimately connected to cognitive, mood and behavioral functions including how certain scents affect memory, emotional, physiological and mental states.
Lighting a candle provides a natural, elemental way to add warmth, bring attention to light, as well as provide intimacy and sensuality. And all this without the use of electronic devices!
Our ancient relationship with fire that brings us light as well as sight, traces back to our primordial connection of worshipping of the sun. This is not simply philosophical in thought, but cognitive in understanding: Observing the constant, colorful movement of a flickering flame is a great way to stay grounded in the present moment and soothe negative emotions and thinking.
Which is why candles are often used for meditation and concentration techniques. Using the flame for focusing the breath or altering thought processes are great ways to promote physical and emotional relaxation.
Simply having a 'lit wick' aids in the process of mindful relaxation and works its fascinating magic on the senses. The lighting of the flame connects not only with sight, but is also associated with finding illumination and enlightenment in times of darkness. So let it burn, baby, burn.
Scented candles utilize both the human senses of sight and smell. Besides being used to relax and calm the mind, energize the body, or even stimulate memory caches, scents are a gateway to the subconscious cognitive and physiological functions. In other words, our moods, stress levels and (cap)abilities to work can be mediated or augmented through scents. Exploring the function of scents, with essential oils for example, is what aromatherapy does.
Aromatic scents, such as lavender and rosemary, have been studied for their stimulation on human brain activity. Suggesting one reason why aromatherapy has long been used to promote health and wellness, including its beneficial use for lowering anxiety and depression.
Ever smelled a beautiful rose, whose scent was slightly sweet but at the same time inexplicably uplifting, soothing and deeply satisfying? This is why the rose is so treasured. Its scent has a positive effect and promotes calm and even wonder.
In a similar fashion, though of a different category, lavender is known for its relaxing and peaceful aromatic inductions, especially for promoting rest and sleep. Both scents are wonderful for those with high sensitivities.
Of course, certain smells and combinations of scents can turn us completely off or invoke unpleasantness. Which is why it's important to know your scent palette, in order to recognize what you already (might) know gives pleasure or stimulates certain mood associations. If you're not sure what this means, ask yourself specific questions about what fruit/flowers you like, or where/when a certain place, season, or vacation was that you fondly enjoyed, etc. This can also be achieved easily by ruling out what types of scents you know you don't like or prefer. For example, sage has a heavy herbal, sweet ever-green scent great for cleansing and grounding.
In the PoM shop we've got many scent profiles for relaxing or uplifting the senses from which to choose:
There are many other scent combinations as well as candle (holder) designs in our shop for coffee to spa-lovers, which make perfect relaxing gifts for the self and for others.
Go ahead, relax and relieve stress with a Pop of Modern scented candle, because you deserve to light up the senses! Plus, our candles and candle accessories are on sale for 15% off.
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