Are you like me? When I light a candle at the end of the day, I begin calming down. Maybe I'm a bit frazzled from a busy day, maybe I know there's another action-packed day tomorrow. But when the candle starts to glow, the time has arrived to take a moment and settle. Add a soothing fragrance to that glow? And add a glass of wine? Now it's really time to relax!
Why are scented candles so helpful for our sense of well-being? Turns out there's actually a scientific reason. The calming influence of candles stems from the how the brain processes smells. Fragrances engage the limbic system, which governs our emotions and memories. Mood-regulating hormones flow when you remember the smell of Grandma's kitchen, a springtime garden, or cherished holiday traditions. Those hormones translate to pleasurable feelings that are like a deep, happy sigh.
Some spa scents, such as lavender and jasmine, are well-known for calming stress and anxiety. (Try Wild Petal's "White Tea & Jasmine")
Vanilla, cinnamon and baking scents are like a comforting blanket that invite you to stay home and get cozy. (Try Wild Petal's "Chai Latte" and "Lemon Cake")
Citrus and herbal fragrances offer a more refreshing and energizing mood boost. (Try Wild Petal's "Mimosa Sunrise" and "Citrus Martini")
Choose a candle with notes of coconut and tropical fruits/florals if you're looking for aromas that evoke tropical locations and beachy adventures. (Try Wild Petal's "Tropical Tiki Bar" and "Sea Glass")
I've even seen tomato scented candles so gardeners can remember the smell of summer vegetables growing!
In our minds and hearts, the connections between fragrances, cherished memories, and our emotional well-being are powerful. One of favorite scents is "Lemon Cake", which stirs memories of the delicious cakes my dear Mom baked when my boys and I came to spend the day with her. I wonder which fragrances are your favorites and what memories they evoke?