In our quest for feeling better mentally and emotionally, scented candles have become a wellness staple in our homes and self-care routines. Just look at the rise of Jo Malone London, Diptyque, and White Company favorites!  

With their ability to transform a mood and atmosphere, we’re not surprised. Discover the strength of the right candle scent for an instant, natural remedy to help you calm during times of stress, help you focus when your mind is distracted, and brighten your mood when you’re feeling low. Plus, they impart this warm, romantic glow that makes you feel all fuzzy inside too!  

The Strength Of Scent  

“Aromatherapy has been studied and shown to calm the mind and help reset your energy. Taking the time to connect to scents that are grounding to your space and senses can create an atmosphere that improves your ability to focus and relax,” says holistic practitioner, Shanise. “Aromas from essential oils are at work at psychological, physiological, and cellular levels; simply put, it has an affect your body, your mind, and all of the interconnected links between.”  

Scents can take us back to memories, hence why they’re deeply transformative. While you might have your favorite candle brands or scents you always turn to, if you want to evoke a particular mood or feeling, it’s worth considering how each scent can alter a space and your emotions. Here’s how to choose a scent to make you more relaxed, more productive, or more energized.  

Candle Scents To Help You Unwind, Reduce Anxiety & Feel Calm  

If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, or restlessness, or you want to unwind after a busy day, consider scents that relax to promote feelings of bliss and encourage quietude.  

"Jasmine is a rich intoxicating scent that is said to reduce stress and break the worst of moods as well as relieve anxiety and promote rest and quiet the mind,” advises osteopath Phyliss Woodfine.  

That’s not the only advantage that jasmine has either! Clinical aromatherapist, Sarah Rueger, says, “Its benefits include helping with menopause symptoms, PMT, apathy, and exhaustion” – ideal if you’re feeling out of balance! 

“Lavender promotes calmness and wellness. This aromatic scent is thought to help reduce stress, anxiety and possibly mild pain. Lavender has a soft and soothing energy that resonates at a high frequency – it will calm your body physically and mentally while uplifting your spirit, says Natasha Garbawi at SUN.DAY of London, hence why it's included in natural sleep remedies like pillow mists.  

Candle Scents To Help You Focus & Be More Productive  

With many more of us now working from home, distractions and procrastination happen all too often. Find a candle scent that can help you hone in on the task at hand to boost productivity, at home or in the office.  

“Peppermint essential oil is said to invigorate the mind, increase alertness and also help in improving concentration with rosemary often purported to ease exam stress as well as ease anxiety," says Woodfine.   

Are you experiencing a roadblock that you just can’t seem to crack right now? Rosemary is also thought to stimulate your mind and memory to help you problem-solve. 

“Cedarwood wards off negative energy. This warm woody aroma helps to re-centre the wandering spirit and mind which in turn improves focus and concentration,” says Garbawi. 

Boost concentration with vetiver, improve performance with lemon and heighten attention with a spicy cinnamon scent.  

Candle Scents To Lift Your Mood & Feel Happier  

“Neroli is believed by some to be an effective balancing essential oil as it is said to help with the release of serotonin (the happy hormone) and to help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) thereby helping to lift negative emotional feelings,” suggests Woodfine.  

Just like neroli, you can rely on citrus candle scents like lemon, orange, and grapefruit to feel more energized and refreshed, ideal for brightening groggy mornings.  

“The herbaceous scent of sage has a balancing, uplifting, soothing, and strengthening effect on the senses thus helping to boost one's mood. Studies show it can help to increase alertness and contentment,” says Garbawi. 

Feeling a little sloth-like and struggling to find energy? “Eucalyptus is a stimulant and can help relieve symptoms of lethargy and fatigue,” says Rueger.  

Whatever ambiance you’re trying to create, adding finishing touches like a candle scent that appeals to your senses can go a long way!