What is self-care? 

Self-care is a popular concept in the wellness industry, gaining more importance every day, and for a good reason. Self-care is not synonymous with self-indulgence or being selfish. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, be well, do your job, help, and care for others, and do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day. 

Why are candles good for self care?

Well, the scent of candles is a powerful stimulant for mental wellbeing. Candles can help calm your mind or give you a boost of energy. Here are some easy ways to improve your self-care routine and how adding candles to your self-care practices can help you level up.

Candles can offer a way to relax ourselves and give the feeling of completion and/or readiness. When we feel complete for the day in a way that expresses our unique self, we can better live authentically.

1. Reading as a self-care practice

Did you know that reading is one of the most effective forms of self-care? YES, that's right! As an activity that can both engage and relax, reading provides an escape for everyone. In times like these, when things can seem uncertain and overwhelming, nothing sounds better than picking up a book and escaping to a foreign land. 

We're advocating that reading be added to your self-care practice because it calms you down. A study at the University of Sussex found that reading for just 6 minutes can help reduce stress levels by up to 68% (even above listening to music and going for a walk!). Who would have thought?!

If you're looking to take your reading time to the next level, consider adding some candles to your little corner to make it even more relaxing. Remember, candles can set the atmosphere, so which candle scent to burn is 100% up to you. If you're looking for a recommendation, why not try Folklore.

2. Meditation as a self-care practice 

We've all heard of meditation or practiced it. What is meditation, and why is it important? Well, meditation is the practice of resting the mind. In today's world, we're constantly bombarded with information, and it has never been more important to step back and allow our minds to relax, even if for a few minutes.

The benefits of mediation are extensive, but it can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. For example, it can build self-awareness, bring your focus back to the present, reduce negative thoughts, increase creativity, and help you gain new perspectives in stressful situations. So, incorporating meditation into your self-care practices is clearly beneficial.

But, before you start discovering meditation, consider the importance of creating the optimum atmosphere to practice it. This includes finding the perfect space and ensuring it is well scented and lit up. In fact, practicing meditation with aromatic candles is the ideal way to go! Feel free to take your pick based on which scent helps you stay relaxed. We'd suggest Serene for its beautiful aroma, natural healing, and soothing properties.

 
3. Yoga as a self-care practice 

A lot of people wonder if yoga and meditation are the same things. We're here to clarify that mediation may be considered a part of the yoga lifestyle, but they differ. Yoga is a spiritual discipline that strikes the perfect balance between mental and physical wellbeing. Yoga is a popular form of physical exercise and a great way to stay fit and show your body some love.

What are the benefits of yoga? Well, it's absolutely fab for flexibility, increasing muscle strength, and toning your body. In terms of the mental health benefits of yoga, you can benefit from reduced anxiety and stress, better sleep quality, and a potential decrease in symptoms of depression. 

When practicing yoga, you want to make sure you're creating a warm and welcome atmosphere. This is important because it will help center your mind and body while energizing you for the remainder of the day. For this, we recommend Luna for grounding. 

4. Bath time as a self-care practice

We're excited about this self-care practice because it is undoubtedly one of our favorites. Taking a hot bath or long shower brings relaxation to mind and is a perfect escape from the world for some necessary me time. You can incorporate a hot bath or shower into a home spa day and follow it up by putting on your fuzzy bathrobe, reading magazines, or giving yourself a facial. We love lighting up with Cashmere for these bathtime moments.