I don´t know about you, but I love candles. From the gentle glow to the delightful aroma of scented candles, candles seem to have magic. What thoughts come to your mind when you see a romantic dinner with the warm glowing light of candles or a candlelit warm bath that awaits you?
That sounds good after a long and grinding day at work, right? Can candles affect your mood and help reduce stress? Let´s explore how candles affect your mood.
Interesting Candle Facts
Candles have been around forever, it seems, considering our ancestors used them as the only light source in their day. Today we give candles as gifts to friends and family. Candles are the gifts that keep on giving. Here are some interesting candle facts.
Candles date as far back as 3000 BC in ancient Egypt.
The first candle-making machine originated in 1834 by Joseph Morgan from the UK.
Many religious faiths use candles as a form of worship.
The US makes around $3.14 billion from candle sales.
The Romans were supposedly the first to give candles as a gift.
Candles were used as clocks in former times. The use of six 12-inch candles was common because a candle took about 4 hours to burn.
A candle maker is called a Chandler (reminds anyone of the sitcom “Friends”?).
Scented candles burn faster than unscented ones.
Candles from natural products like coconut or soy wax are toxin and soot free.
Candle-making was a daily chore in former times.
The blue flame is the hottest part of the candle, with temperatures reaching 2500 degrees Fahrenheit, almost 1400 degrees Celsius.
Advertisement
Scented Candles
What are the benefits of candles?
Candles have many uses. People put candles on cakes to celebrate birthdays and other celebrations. Candles have a reputation for igniting romance and giving a pleasant smell (scented candles) and a warm glow.
The benefits of candles are:
- to produce a warm and inviting aura in your home space
- as home décor
- creates a soothing effect
- may help clear and declutter your mind
- may provide soothing and healing properties
- may help drastically improve your mood
- good for your mental health
- may boost energy
What are the best-scented candles and their uses?
Essential oils, which is an ingredient that is common in most candles, possess a physically calming effect on the body. They have a long history and can treat all types of ailments. Scented candles are known for their uses in rituals, promote healing, enhance meditation, and cleanse energies.
The scent of a candle stimulates the part of your brain that connects to memory and mood and may also have psychological effects (unblock your subconscious).
Studies show that scented candles and oils can improve depression and your psychological well-being. Scented candles may help reduce feelings of fear and anxiety and lift your spirits.
Here are some of the top scents and their effects:
Frankincense helps fight anxiety and can give great stress relief
Sandalwood calms and relaxes the mind and body
Vanilla uplifts and relaxes; increases happiness and joy
Lavender immediately relaxes the body and mind
Clary Sage uplifts your mood
Orange limits stress
Lemon improves mood
Apple controls anxiety
Cinnamon refreshes
Peppermint wakes up your mind and enhances focus
How to make scented candles at home
Making homemade candles can be fun, but it also allows you the freedom to control the ingredients you would like in your candles. You can be creative by adding your personal touch to it, and it´s a way of bringing the family close together if you have young kids.
Generally speaking, there are several types of waxes paraffin, soy, coconut, or beeswax. Paraffin is the most commonly used and least expensive wax. Soy wax is 100% natural and made from soybean, but it gives less of an aroma. Beeswax and coconut waxes are also natural, but beeswax has a slight honey scent.
This recipe is a simple homemade recipe for beginners. It is exceptional for people using pre-made wicks. Making candles takes practice; with that being said, do not be too hard on yourself if it doesn´t come out quite as you wanted. If at first, you don´t succeed, try and try again.
Materials you may need:
- old newspapers
- pan (solely for this purpose, you can use an old pan)
- wax (125 lbs soy wax)
- two wicks (pre-made)
- spatula
- popsicle sticks or chopsticks
- thermometer
- scissors
- two heat-safe-12-ounces jar
If you do have different measurements, it is best to use a candle calculator to measure the wax. First, add the size of your jar, the number of jars, and portions with the batch you´re working with.
Fortunately, some candle-making kits come equipped with the weight of the wax for ease and simplicity.
Directions
Place the old newspapers on your kitchen countertop to protect them.
Place the pre-made wicks in the middle of the jars.
Heat the wax on low heat on the stovetop. Add the wax and allow it to melt, and stir occasionally. Do not exceed 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 93 degrees Celsius. Use your thermometer to monitor the heat.
Add color or fragrance to the wax if you so desire.
Slowly and carefully transfer the wax into the jars. You may use skewers or popsicle sticks to help keep the pre-made wick in place. Leave about ¼ space at the top. Allow the wax to completely cool and trim it down to size if necessary.
You could label and decorate your jars beforehand. Add special personalized messages or inspirational quotes for family or friends.
Paraffin waxes need 24 hours of curation time. Beeswax and soy candles need 1-2 weeks before use. You may store them in a cool place like your pantry.
Conclusion
Candles, both scented and unscented, can have a significant impact on elevating your mood. Candles offer many other benefits like healing properties, relaxation, and much more.
Candles not only have a significant effect on your mood, but they can help alleviate stress. Studies indicate that the lighting of scented candles positively affects depression and mental health.
You may like
- The ugly side effects of stress and what you can do about it | Elevate Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Manage your stress like a boss | Elevate Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- How can you make your skin glow? | Elevate Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Super interesting post! I had no idea that candles were used as timekeepers or clocks long ago, although when you think about it, it makes sense.
I have a 9-year-old daughter who would love to try making candles. I’ve done it before myself, but I realized adding drops of essential oils to the wax (I tried peppermint) drastically changed the scent. It smelled more like chemicals rather than pure essential oil (I used Doterra oils, so it wasn’t an oil issue). My guess is the wax was cheap.
So perhaps when I give it a try with my daughter, we’ll either go unscented, try a more expensive wax, or maybe play with color instead. I’ve seen some neat candle-making craft kits on Amazon – have you tried any of them?
Hey Marlaine,
Thanks for reaching out and sharing your experiences with us. Yes, history can be surprising. I love knowing the origins of things we take for granted today.
I, too, have my fair share of candle-making fiascos. I tried some complicated recipes, and the first try didn´t come out as hoped. I agree with you about essential oils. I tried lavender and sandalwood; they are my favorites.
Candle making takes practice, but I love the process. I enjoy DIY challenges. I think this is an excellent activity with your 9-year-old daughter. Will you be using mason jars? And if so, do you think she would love to decorate it before you start the candle-making adventure?
One thing is clear you both will have lots of fun. Thanks for stopping by.
Cheers,
Dana