The sights, sounds and smells of fall are all around! As the air turns crisp, and cozy sweaters come out from the back of our drawers and closets, many of us begin looking forward to lazy nights at home; warm and toasty. Creating a relaxing environment during the fall is key! One perfect addition to your home is candles. These lovely smelling, softly lit decorations not only look and smell wonderful, but they can also help improve your mental health. Today, let’s chat about the power of scents and how they can help support your well-being all season long.
Scents and Mental Health
Our sense of smell is deeply connected to the areas of our brains that are involved in emotion, memory and behaviour. This is why certain smells can bring up specific feelings and memories. They may also calm us down, when sweet memories arise, or help us unwind when we are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
“Smell can instantly trigger an emotional response along with a memory, and our emotional states have a very strong effect on our physical well-being.” –Harvard Medicine
Memories connected to smell can help improve mood, reduce stress, and promote slower, deeper breathing.
Scents to Try this Fall
Lavender
Lavender is commonly used to help people relax. Browse the baby bath items in the store, and you won’t be surprised to see many that include lavender. This scent can help reduce anxiety, calm the nervous system and help improve sleep. Consider lighting a lavender candle before bed, while unwinding in the bath, or when reading before bed.
Cinnamon and clove
When you think about fall, these scents are sure to come to mind. Like a warm hug, these classic smells can help reduce fatigue and boost your mood. There’s something comforting about these spicy smells, whether they spark memories of baking with your mom, or a cup of your favourite, freshly brewed tea, you can’t help but feel at ease when they tickle your nostrils.
“The sweet-spicy blend tends to evoke feelings of warmth and relaxation, possibly because it’s often associated with holidays, family gatherings, and baked goods.” –Recipes and Roots
Vanilla
The smooth smell of vanilla is a classic, and often a fan favourite. It’s a scent to consider enjoying in your home, especially if you find other options overwhelming. Even better, it has benefits to your well-being like improving your mood and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Eucalyptus and mint
Take a deep breath of these fresh scents to help clear your mind and improve your productivity. These are excellent choices when working from home, in need of a mental reset or for when you need a moment to find your inner calm. A bonus? As we enter cold and flu season, smelling eucalyptus may help improve your stuffy nose.
We can’t forget to remind you about using your candles safely! Keep these tips in mind:
- Always trim your wick
- Never leave a candle unattended
- Keep away from flammable décor
- Blow them out before falling asleep
Candle season not only warms your home but also sparks your well-being with just a flick of a match! The right fragrance can transport you to a calming place, evoke cherished memories, or energize your mood.
With countless options available, from calming lavender to spicy cinnamon, you’re sure to discover a scent that resonates with you. If candles aren’t your preference, that’s perfectly fine too! There are plenty of alternatives like essential oil diffusers or incense that can create a cozy atmosphere for you to enjoy this fall season.
