Let's talk about mental health... 

The toll of Covid 19 has impacted all of us in ways we never imagined and only exacerbated the many mental health problems so many Americans face. Most of us have experienced loss, worry, fear, isolation, and hardships over the last two years. Currently 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness on a daily basis in America. Anxiety, depression, and suicide disorders continue to increase at a staggering rate. Recent data indicates a significant increase in the number of depressed youths in our country right now. 

60% of College Kids Suffer from Mental Health Disorders

Younger adults, specifically college students in America are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. Recently three out of five college students reported being diagnosed with a mental health condition by a professional, the most common afflictions being anxiety and depression, according to a survey of 1,000 college students conducted by The Harris Poll in June 2022. 

At Claire Burke, we believe it's important to shine a light on the current mental health crisis and inform our customer base of simple ways to incorporate a positive mindset and well-being in your home. We all know, lighting a scented candle won't immediately get rid of your feelings of anxiety or overall depression. If it could, we wouldn't be facing a mental health crisis in our country. However, there's many mood-boosting benefits candles based on the type of fragrance. Let's dive into the psychology behind fragrance and learn how different candle scents can influence our mood and well-being.

Anatomy of Scent, Emotion, and Memory

Most people can detect up to 10,000 distinct scents. Your brain processes smells in a unique way, compared to other sensory experiences like taste and touch. Scents also trigger moods and feelings. Some terpenes (organic compounds produced by plants) are strongly associated with certain traits. For example, people tend to associate citrus odors with cleanliness. That’s why so many cleaning products have fragrances that are citrus based. The smell of lavender is known to promote a calming effect, making the perfect addition to your bedtime routine. 

Fragrance has been used for centuries in meditation, healing, and for religious purposes. Research has shown that scents play a big role in how the brain functions — and how you feel. The smell of  candles stimulates our limbic system, the part of the brain that is home to our memory and emotions. Clearly candles have a power capable of creating an entire vibe. Lighting a few well-placed candles in your home can really add effect and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. 

BENEFITS OF BURNING CANDLES

Productive Mindset: Scented candles create pleasing psychological effects from the ambient aroma of fragrances. This is often referred to as “aroma-chology”. The ritual of burning a candle or incense, and blowing it out, can also help bring structure to the day.

Reduce Stress: Scented candles can induce calm and help to alleviate symptoms of stress, with the ability to lower cortisol.

Boost Immunity: Aromatherapy provides a healing non-invasive means to boost immunity, induce sleep, and reduce anxiety and worry. 

Calming effect: The sheer act of lighting a candle, its lovely flicker and the gentle glow it creates, helps ease and soothe the mind. 

Below is a list of my favorite candles to burn when I need to uplift the mood in my home or need mental clarity.