Five Simple Ways To Practice Mindfulness to Live Happier
Gabrielle Mastronardo
May 9, 2024
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Aromatherapy is an ancient wellness practice that harnesses the power of scent to promote health and well-being.
The essences are traditionally captured from plants, which include flowers, leaves, stems, bark, and roots.
The oils collected are then used to stimulate our olfactory system—the part of the brain connected to smell—and can influence physical, emotional, and mental health in various ways.
Aromatherapy is a facet of holistic wellness that seamlessly blends with the principles of conscious living.
It advocates for the balance and harmony of the body, mind, and spirit, mirroring the core concept of self-care.
Physical benefits of aromatherapy range from pain and headache relief, improved sleep, and reduced stress to improved digestion and boosted immunity.
On the emotional and mental front, aromatherapy can help alleviate anxiety, boost mood, improve focus and memory, and promote overall relaxation and tranquility
Who wouldn’t want all these wellness benefits just from smelling yummy scents?
While traditionally aromatherapy uses essential oils, you can also reap the benefits of aromatherapy with candles.
Integrating aromatherapy with candles actually takes the practice a step further, adding a warm, sensory-rich dimension.
Aromatherapy candles not only emit delightful fragrances, but they also create a soothing ambiance that caters to our innate desire for warmth and light.
This pairing is a powerful stress reliever and can encourage mindfulness, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility—a sanctuary within your living space.
Lavender: This calming scent is excellent for relaxation and is often used to alleviate stress and promote sleep.
Eucalyptus: Known for its invigorating properties, eucalyptus is great for clearing the mind and promoting focus.
Citrus (like Lemon or Orange): These scents are known to uplift and energize, perfect for promoting positivity and alertness.
Peppermint: This invigorating aroma boosts mood and stimulates the senses.
Rose: The scent of roses is commonly associated with love and happiness. It can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calm.
Grapefruit: This citrus oil has a bright, fresh, and tangy aroma. It’s believed to energize, help reduce mental fatigue, improve mood, and stimulate positivity and optimism.
Sage: Sage is used for its clarifying, uplifting, and soothing properties. It’s known to stimulate the mind and help balance out emotions. It is also said to help alleviate feelings of negativity.
Tea Tree: In aromatherapy, Tea Tree oil is often used for its cleansing and immune-boosting properties. It can be diffused to help purify the air and prevent illnesses.
Chamomile: This calming, floral scent is renowned for its soothing properties and is often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress, promote relaxation and support sleep.
Rosemary: Rosemary is linked to feelings of contentment and has been shown to have a positive effect on mood. It’s been found to reduce cortisol levels, which can help relieve anxiety and stress.
Frankincense: Frankincense has a rich, woody, earthy scent that is often used to promote feelings of peace and relaxation. It’s frequently used in meditation due to its calming and grounding effects.
Jasmine: Jasmine is a warm, floral scent known for its uplifting and comforting properties. It’s often used to battle depression, boost mood, and promote feelings of confidence and optimism.
Ylang Ylang: Ylang Ylang is a tropical flower with a sweet, floral scent. In aromatherapy, it’s often used to help reduce tension, stress, and anxiety and to promote positive feelings of joy and hope.
Neroli: Neroli has a sweet, strong floral aroma. In aromatherapy, it’s used for its calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s also known for boosting positive moods and enhancing mental clarity.
For other scents and their aromatherapy uses check out this chart that has an extensive list of scents.
Aromatherapy through candles can greatly enhance your personal space and well-being, but it’s important to choose the right kind of candles for the job.
When selecting candles for aromatherapy, it’s vital to pick ones made from natural waxes, such as soy or coconut.
Soy candles burn cleaner and slower than traditional paraffin candles, and they don’t produce harmful soot. My favorite soy candles are from P.F. Candle Company for their unique scent blends like Golden Coast which blends sage, eucalyptus, and paolo santo to make a grounding yet uplifting atmosphere.
For coconut wax candles, I like to go to Silbilings, whose candles are also refillable. I absolutely adore their No.3 with its notes of Jasmine, Tangerine, and Vetiver.
Besides being eco-friendly, soy and coconut candles also provide a better aroma throw, allowing the therapeutic properties of the scents to disperse evenly and consistently.
They are typically paraben-free (make sure to double-check before buying) meaning they don’t emit harmful toxins when burnt, safeguarding your health while you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the aroma.
To use candles for aromatherapy, start by selecting a scent that aligns with your desired outcome.
For instance, I love to use my P.F. Candles Ojai Lavender candle when I want to unwind and create an atmosphere of calm, while I light up my Sweet Grapefruit candle when I am getting ready in the morning to awaken my senses and energize me for the day.
To reap the rewards of aromatherapy all you have to do is light the candle in a safe place, then sit back and relax (or carry on with whatever you’re doing) allowing the aroma to fill your room.
Make sure to remain in the space for a period of time to fully absorb the scent and reap its therapeutic benefits. Practice deep, mindful breathing to enhance the aromatherapy experience.
Remember to trim the wick before each use to prevent uneven burning and ensure that the candle lasts longer.
In aromatherapy, the experience is as important as the scent itself, so taking the time to create a calm, tranquil environment can enhance the effects.
This way, you can turn your home into a soothing oasis, filled with beautiful scents that have the power to heal, relax, and invigorate.
While candles provide a delightful way to enjoy aromatherapy, they’re not the only medium available. Other ways to use aromatherapy include:
Incense Sticks: Like candles, incense sticks create an atmospheric sensory experience and can be used to introduce a desired aroma to your space.
Room Sprays: Room sprays infused with essential oils provide a quick and easy way to transform the atmosphere of a space.
Oil Diffusers: These devices disperse essential oils into the air, providing a constant and subtle fragrance throughout the room. They’re particularly beneficial for ongoing mood enhancement or air purification.
Aromatherapy and conscious living interconnect naturally since they both underscore mindfulness, well-being, and a reflective approach to everyday life.
Incorporating aromatherapy into our daily rituals allows us to prioritize self-care, strengthen our bond with nature, and make mindful decisions about the impact our surroundings have on us. Thus, aromatherapy presents an effortless and effective method to initiate or enrich the journey toward conscious living.
However, living consciously means acknowledging the importance of self-care and understanding that our own health and happiness are essential for a balanced life. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of self care, and share some practical tips to help you prioritize your well-being.
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