Candles are a tradition in many cultures, a household necessity and a luxury to treat yourself and others. With the right travel candles, you can enjoy the relaxing effects of scented candles even while on vacation. Candles create a calming ambiance and not only lift your mood, but they also soothe the mind and relieve stress. Some scents evoke destinations and travel experiences, like a stroll through cherry blossom trees in Japan or the sweet citrus and sea breeze combination of the Mediterranean.
“It’s scientifically proven that scented candles play an important role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, work capacity, and overall mental health,” says Chrissa Calchia, a certified clinical integrative psychotherapist and cognitive behavioral therapist. Simply put, certain scents can be appealing because of the memories associated with them. But some scents are widely popular as calming home scents because they repeatedly stimulate the same hormones in many people. These scents, like geranium, lavender, and peppermint, “have been proven effective in treating a variety of psychological and physiological disorders,” says Calchia.
She explains that ylang-ylang “promotes feelings of joy and serenity,” while jasmine “boosts positive feelings and energy levels,” while peppermint and spearmint help alert the mind, improve focus, and boost memory. But if you’re looking for something to soothe anxiety, rosemary, lemon, chamomile, and geranium are the ones to go for.
“The calming effect of candles is based on the way the brain processes smells. The smell of scented candles stimulates the limbic system, which is responsible for memory and emotions in the brain. It produces hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood. Thus, our emotional state is influenced by the connection that exists between smell, memory and emotions,” says Chalukya.
For those who struggle to maintain a positive mindset, Sharqia suggests lighting a citrus-scented candle, which has been proven to “uplift your mood and boost your energy.” She recommends Diptyque’s Choisya candle, which smells like citrus fruit and orange tree leaves, or the refreshing True Grace Wild Lime Classic candle for a little extra energy boost. There’s also the NEOM Happiness Scented candle, which has a refreshing lemon scent and, as the name suggests, can boost positivity, she says.
Here are some aromatic candles that are proven to reduce anxiety and create the most relaxing atmosphere at home or abroad.
Mercy Sun Kissed Canister Candle
This glass candle is made to bring light into your space with its bright packaging and scent of orange, clove and lemon cardamom.
Purchased at: mersea.com
Sibling No.05
Make your own candles by pouring a packet of Siblings candle wax into a heat-resistant container for easy travel. This scent has a calming scent of lavender and cedarwood.
Purchased from: siblings.co
Dehv Candle Co. Blush Seasonal Concrete Candle
The scent of Blush by Dehv will lift your mood as it fills your home or adopted home with the delicate freshness of geranium and peony.
Buy at: dehvcandleco.com
Homesick New York City Candle
Evoking “A Spring Day in Central Park,” this scent captures the beloved season in one of the world’s great cities. Featuring notes of bergamot, jasmine and concrete, Homesick’s urban scent is designed to transport you back to your comfort zone, whether you’re a New York native or simply love to visit.
Purchased at: homesick.com
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