Why are Candles so Relaxing

It’s truly difficult to pinpoint why we are so mesmerized by the flame of a candle. Maybe it’s the unpredictable, yet rhythmic flicker of the candle flame, as its inner core shifts from indigo blue to a warm yellow.  Perhaps it’s the triggering of memories as the candle scent reaches the olfactory cortex, replaying forgotten experiences, or taking you back to vacations past. It is an ambiance that is nearly impossible to replicate.

I think most of us would agree that lighting a candle can be a satisfying and relaxing experience that you can tap into in the comfort of your own home, or even place of work. But have we ever stopped to ask why candles are so relaxing?

To better understand this question let’s have a look at candles themselves, and the science behind relaxation.

The Science Of Relaxation

Person relaxing in hammock by pool

Candles produce their flickering flame through a chemical reaction called combustion, producing its light and heat as the flame burns down the wick. Candle wax is composed of both carbon and hydrogen atoms, and as the candle heat melts the wax near the wick, the wax becomes a hot gas, breaking down into molecules. As the wax melts, it releases the scent of the fragrance or essential oils mixed with the candle wax.

The smell of a burning candle, or any smell for that matter, stimulates the Limbic System of our brains, which plays a role in our behavioural and emotional responses, and is home to our emotions and memory. The limbic system helps our bodies learn and remember information, and helps regulate cognitive attention.

Hormones like serotonin and dopamine can be produced and released to help regulate our moods. Both hormones perform a similar function, but with different effects. A simplified explanation of the two would be that Dopamine plays a vital role in the brain’s pleasure and reward systems, while Serotonin helps to regulate digestion, mood and sleep. Both work in unison, creating complex patterns of behavior.

This is a roundabout way of saying that our emotional state, like when we feel relaxed, is influenced by the relationship between emotions, memories, and scents.

Benefits of Candles

Candles are making a resurgence as a permanent fixture in more and more homes, and for a multitude of reasons. There are several benefits of lighting candles, and various occasions where candles enhance the experience. 

We discussed previously the physiological effects candles have towards our mood, stress management, capacity to focus, and general well being. But let’s explore more benefits of candles in our day to day routine.

Stress reduction 

 
The dancing flame of a candlelight just sets a sense of eaze in any room, right?  Focusing on the softness of its light in silent contemplation can make the cares of the outside world seem just a little further away. Lighting a candle or two to really cozify your atmosphere. Afterall, a Hygge home is a happy home. Or better still, draw a bath, and light a candle and prepare to feel your stresses melt away. It’s a lovely way to transform your bathroom space into a personal spa.

We recommend trying the scents of grapefruit, lavender, and ylang-ylang to help reduce the stresses of the day.

Improving the quality of sleep


Relaxing in the presence of a candle before (but not during!) bedtime can really help improve the quality of your sleep. Surrounding yourself with scents of sage, chamomile, valerian and more can help lower blood pressure and heart rate, helping to welcome a good night’s rest. 

Influencing your mood with calming scents of Bergamot, Sandalwood or Vetiver before you drift off for the evening can set the tone for peaceful dreams and a calmness for when you wake. Lavender oil has been used to help treat insomnia, due to the benefits of its oil confers, while peppermint oil helps promote restfulness by clearing the mind.

Commemoration and Celebration


Used to celebrate the milestone of a birthday, or to mourn the passing of a loved one, candles are a meaningful way to underscore the importance of an occasion, as our sense of smell is strongly tied with memory. Citrusy scents like Lemon, Orange and grapefruit that are associated with feelings of energy and uplifting, while Rose, Carnation and Mahoganies can be used to add levity to your surroundings.

Meditation and Self-Awareness


Lighting candles is a great support during your meditation practice. Manifestation and visualization techniques incorporate focusing on a candle flame, while sending your intentions into the universe. 

Trataka Meditation, or candle gazing meditation, is a form of hatha yoga. By channeling your thoughts and focusing the mind, a movement towards peace is achieved as we regain wasted energy. Trataka Meditation is practiced with eyes open, and can help find an increased state of awareness, while honing your attention and focus. To help contain a wandering mind, focusing on a physical object, like a candle, can help you stay focused during your practice.

Try pairing your practice with scents like Frankincense, well known in many cultures for increasing spiritual awareness, Cedar wood, or the “Holy Wood” Palo Santo.

Self-Expression


Like your favorite record, or that article of clothing you can’t live without, our scent choices tell a story. We can display our personalities through our choice of fragrance, as unique as our individualities. Feeling amorous? Channel that through scents of Vanilla, Jasmine and Amber.

Travel for Relaxation


For most of us, it has been a challenging time for travel. For some, the risks or financial burden of travel has kept us at home. Turn any corner of your home into anywhere in the world, by lighting a candle and allowing your imagination to run freeAre you bursting for an adventure? Try burning scents of Nordic Pine, Calabrian Bergamot or Cypress Fig, and let your mind have a sojourn of its own.

Alternatively, scent can draw our mind to memories of being back home. Having a candle tin in your luggage that reminds you of the lilacs in your garden, or the juniper berries on your walk to work can help the homesick feel like they’ve never left.

Relax With Us

Person stargazing on top of camper van


Here at the Sojourn Company, we love to tell stories through our choices of scents in our candles. Every candle is conceptualized with the intent that whomever burns our candles is joining us on a journey, if only for a brief moment. 

Our blends of essential and fragrance oils in our candles will hopefully transport you to the tops of forest mountains, to the blissful solitude of a desert sunset, or overlooking a coastal fruit grove. But most importantly, it will offer you a well deserved break from the everyday. Relax with us.

Still not convinced? Check out this candle meditation video paired with relaxing music below to vibe out with.