How to incorporate candles into your self care routine

2016 has not been my most relaxing year, to put it lightly. As somebody who lives in Washington DC and works at a think tank, every four years things get especially stressful!

Everyone deals with stress, which is why experts like psychologists and health professionals recommend establishing a self care routine. Self care is generally described as “intentional actions you take to care for your physical, mental and emotional health.” Just choose to make time for relaxing activities, and there’s no wrong way to do it!

As you might have guessed from this blog, lighting a candle and inhaling its scent is one of my favorite ways to unwind. However, you don’t need to stop there. Candles go well with a number of my favorite self care activities. Here are some of my favorite pairings.

Have a bubble bath with…

pink-sands Yankee Candle Pink Sands Beach

The weather outside doesn’t feel the slightest bit beachy, but I can make my own Caribbean vacation with the warm waters of my bathtub. I complete the illusion with Pink Sands, which has a fruity and floral scent that never fails to transport me to a sunnier locale.

Slip on a face mask with…

grapefruit-nest-candle Nest Fragrances Classic — Grapefruit

I’ve recently gone on a Korean beauty face mask kick to infuse some moisture into my dry skin. The process gets elevated from “it’s good for you” chore to luxury spa treatment with this invigorating grapefruit, lily-of-the-valley and coriander blossom scent.

Do yoga with…

healthy-candle The Pure Candle Aromatherapy Soy Candle – HEALTHY

Whether you’re a yogi master or just trying to stretch out that cramp in your leg, you’re making a good choice for your body. Affirm that decision with a refreshing citrus, basil and lemongrass scent.

Listen to music with…

lavender-lumiere Pre De Provence Lavender Lumiere Candle

Sometimes you don’t really want to do an “activity” for self care. Chill out with your favorite Pandora playlist and the instantly calming scent of aromatic lavender. Fittingly, psychologists have cited both lavender and music to have relaxation properties.

Write in your journal with…

 modern-mint Fine Modern Mint Scented Candle

When you feel overwhelmed, it can help to write your feelings and priorities in a journal to get it all out there. I like to also light a candle to set the mood and turn it into more of a “ritual.” Stay focused with this blend of sweet mint, spearmint, and green tea.

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2 Comments

    1. […] I buy candles because they are a sensory experience. They smell amazing, the flickering flame sets a relaxing mood, and the packaging is luxurious. They are a luxury product, in that nobody needs candles like this to survive. So when I buy one, I am committing 100% to indulging myself. It’s self care! […]

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