When times are uncertain and tough, it’s the little things that often help manage stress, whether it’s a soft blanket, a cup of warm tea or a creamy face mask. But there is something especially soothing about lighting some candles. Not only does this help to boost the cosy factor of your space, but the best relaxing candles strike a balance between soft ambient lighting and carefully selected scents.
Three Tips To Make Your Candles Last Longer
If you are a candle lover, you are likely to know the pain of burning through your favourite scents in what feels like no time at all. But there is actually a reason for that, regardless of the size or price of your candle. In fact, there are a few things that you are not aware of that can cause your candle to be consumed more rapidly.
Burn your candle for a few hours
When you buy a new candle first, you need to set it up for success. You should always burn it for a few hours to ensure that the top layer of wax is completely melted so that it burns evenly the next time you light it. Wax has memory, so it’s essential not to skip this step to make sure the candle burns out as evenly as possible.
Reconsider the place
You also have to be strategic about where you place your candles. Instead of candles leaving them in direct sunlight or near the heat where they will start to sweat, make sure to keep candles dry and place them in normal room temperature. Furthermore, avoid placing your candles in drafty areas like open windows or doors, air conditioners, fans and vents, as this means the candle will drip excessively and burn unevenly.
Trim candlewicks regularly
If you want the candles to last longer, you should trim the candle wicks after each use. The rate at which the candle will burn depends on the length of the wick, so trimming will help to extend its life. It also prevents smoke and ensures that the glass does not overheat. Try to aim for the same length you had the first time.
Best Six Candle Scents For Restful Sleep
Basil
Basil is not only good for sprinkling it over a pizza, tossing it into a Caprese salad or adding to pasta. Its sweet, herbaceous aroma is also known to soothe mental fatigue while enveloping your home in the sense of calm to help relieve anxiety and stress. So if you need to ease the pressure caused by especially busy days, basil-scented candles are a must-have during your bedtime ritual.
Lavender
When you think about the best calming scent, the floral scent of lavender is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Lavender oil is an established essential oil used in various industries, including aromatherapy.
The oil is obtained from the plant Lavandula angustifolia and can help to promote relaxation and soothe anxiety due to its calming properties. Lavender is also proven to help ease headaches, alleviate feelings of nausea and improve sleep quality.
Ylang-Ylang
At times when you feel drained, tired or frustrated, the deliciously sweet and floral scent of ylang-ylang can be useful for decreasing hypertension because of its well-known sedative effects. It also can help to diminish stress and anxiety levels, which in turn can help you fall asleep faster and get a restful sleep.
CBD
No matter if it is a meditation practice, massage session or a long soak in the bathtub, today, many people prefer to use CBD oil for sleep as a natural alternative to various sleeping aids. Even though cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is able to interact with certain receptors of the endocannabinoid system to deliver its potential health benefits, lighting the candle enriched with CBD oil during your relaxing routine before bedtime can offer a truly soothing experience.
Its earthy scent may help to create a calming ambience, aiding in lowering anxiety and stress, reducing pain and getting a better night’s sleep. You can also combine your evening with some other products like CBD infused tea, bath bombs for your soak, capsules or even gummies to drift off to sleep in no time.
Vanilla
The sweet, light aroma of vanilla can not only relax you by reminding you of baked cookies during the holidays, but it can also offer real benefits for helping you fall into a deep, restful sleep. The smell of vanilla has a positive effect on mood for many people. It can also act as an antidepressant, therefore prepare you for a good night of sleep, whether you are looking to soothe nervous tension or calm down after an intense day.
The best part is that vanilla can be found in many different flavour combinations, ranging from sweet confections like a vanilla cupcake, warm apple pie or birthday cake to more subtle notes like bourbon.
Sandalwood
In case you want your home to feel as comforting as the atmosphere in the forest, you can give sandalwood-scented candles a try. With its rich, woody and earthy scent, sandalwood is a perfect scent for decreasing anxiety and making you feel relaxed. It is also shown to possess sedative effects, making it beneficial for those with insomnia to help induce sleep faster. Studies show that the scent of sandalwood increases theta brain activity, which means drowsiness and deep sleep. Plus, it also can help people that are subjected to cold or allergies to sleep calmly.
However, it is important to note that everyone reacts to scents differently. Sandalwood might enhance wakefulness and alertness, even when it also induces physical relaxation. For some people, sandalwood may promote restful sleep, while for others it brings wakeful and attentive relaxation. In this case, sandalwood may not be good for bedtime, but you can use it during the day to relax and stay alert.