Scented candles have been a popular gift idea for centuries now. They have always been associated with relaxation, happiness, and a feeling of wellbeing. But how can scented candles affect your mood?
There are many different scents available that can help you add some ambiance to your life and change your mood from sad to happy, or even stressed to relaxed. Some people even use them as their go-to stress reliever. So next time you need to feel better, just put on one!
The Research Behind How a Scented Candle Affects Our Mood
A study conducted by a research team from the University of Southern California investigated how scented candles could impact one’s mood. Participants were exposed to two scents which were either pleasant or unpleasant. The study revealed that those who smelled an unpleasant scent reported feeling more negative and less alert than those who smelt a pleasing fragrance.
Methods of How Candle Scents Can Affect Mood
Most people are aware of the power of scents to affect moods, and studies have shown that scent is one of the most powerful factors that can alter a person’s mood. The type of scents we choose to use in our homes, offices, or wherever we spend time can actually make a big difference.
The first method is called fragrance therapy. This type of therapy uses essential oils and natural fragrances to create a relaxing environment for people.
The second method is called aromatherapy. This form uses the smell of certain essential oils that trigger a calming effect on its user, like lavender which has been known for decades as a natural sedative, or peppermint which is said to result in a feeling of wellness and clarity.
A third method is called incense therapy, which use incense sticks or cones that have heady scents like frankincense or jasmine to help relieve stress. These types of aromatherapy have been found to help with moods, mental alertness, and reducing the feeling of agitation.
Candle Scents + Their Benefits
Mood Boosting Scents
Nothing says relaxation like the scent of a candle. These days, candles come in a variety of scents to suit any mood. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try lavender or vanilla scents. They’re known to reduce stress and anxiety levels and have a calming effect on your body. If you’re feeling sad, try apple spice or pumpkin pie fragrances to lift your spirits.
Sleep Inducing Scents
If you’re looking for a good way to feel calm, you should consider candle scents that have been scientifically proven to reduce stress. Whether you like the smell of lavender, vanilla, or citrus, there’s something out there for everyone. The best candle scents for falling asleep are lavender, vanilla and citrus because they have been scientifically shown to reduce stress.
Productivity Boosting Scents
According to a recent study by ScentAir, the top three scents that boost cognition and help people remain calm are vanilla, lavender, and lemon. ScentAir also found that scents like peppermint and cinnamon invigorate those who are feeling tired.
Concentration Scents
Studies show that certain scents can help boost concentration by triggering memory-enhancing brain activity. The scent of lavender, for example, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as increase focus.
The Effect of Different Candle Scents on Emotions and the Unconscious Mind
Different scents have a psychological and physiological effect on our subconscious mind. The research done on the effects of different scents on emotions and the subconscious mind is very interesting.
Researchers have found that certain scents in particular create different emotional responses in people, depending on the scent. Scents are important because they can evoke memories, feelings, and images from our experiences.
Many studies have shown that different fragrances affect moods and emotions differently. For example, cinnamon incense has been found to increase alertness, while lavender was found to decrease anxiety levels when it comes to test subjects who were exposed to it for ten minutes
The study of aromatherapy benefits is still relatively new, but promising treatments are being developed for a wide range of physical and mental ailments, and we can experience the aromatherapy benefits from burning scented candles.
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