Yoga has become an increasingly popular exercise and relaxation technique, with millions of people practicing yoga at studios or at home. One way to enhance the yoga experience is through the use of scented candles. The gentle aromas from scented candles can help create a soothing atmosphere perfect for yoga.
Scented candles have surged in popularity in recent years. Walk into any home goods store and you’ll find aisles of artisanal, soy-based candles in a diverse array of scents. Scented candle sales have increased over 50% in the last decade as more people discover their benefits. The global scented candle market is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2025.
So what makes scented candles so popular? Their fragrances aren’t just lovely, they also have a host of health benefits. Studies show scents can reduce stress, ease anxiety, boost mood, and more. This makes scented candles an ideal complement to home yoga sessions. The scents promote relaxation while the candlelight sets a serene ambiance.
When choosing scented candles for yoga, lighter aromas are best. You want something noticeable but not overpowering. Subtle floral, citrus, herbal, and vanilla scents are ideal. They won’t distract from your practice but will waft gently, creating a pleasant background aroma.
Lavender is one of the most popular scents for yoga. This floral aroma is long known for its stress-busting abilities. Studies confirm lavender’s calming properties, showing it decreases heart rate and blood pressure. The next time you flow through downward dog, let the cool scent of lavender soothe your mind.
Citrus scents like grapefruit, orange, and lemon are also excellent yoga candle choices. Their bright, uplifting aromas help foster positive moods. Citrus scents are energizing yet not overstimulating. They provide just the right zesty note for an invigorating home yoga session.
Candles with herbal scents like eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree make breathing easier during yoga. Opening the airways allows for deeper, fuller breaths which optimizes oxygenation. Herbal scents also have a centering quality. Their earthy aromas will help you focus and find balance in tree pose.
Not quite energizing but not completely relaxing, vanilla strikes a perfect balance for yoga. Vanilla candles have a warm, welcoming aroma that comforts and grounds. The rich, sweet scent of vanilla is familiar, helping to anchor you in the present moment during yoga.
To fully integrate scented candles into your home yoga practice, incorporate them from the very start. Light your candle early in your yoga routine as you lay out your mat and tune into your breath. This gives the aroma time to permeate the space. Strategically placing candles around your mat helps too.
Safety comes first when using candles in yoga. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles before coming into poses where clothing or other flammable materials could come into contact with the flame. Use stable candle holders made of non-flammable materials.
The benefits of yoga and scented candles combine synergistically for greater wellbeing. Yoga helps you find inner peace while scented candles enhance that tranquility through aromatherapy. With some mindfulness and proper precautions, scented candles can be the perfect addition to home yoga.
As yoga grows more popular, practitioners continue finding ways to enrich the experience. Scented candles make an accessible, effective tool to deepen relaxation and take your home yoga from basic exercise to an immersive self-care ritual. The sweet aromas transport you to a serene state, perfuming each pose with peace and presence. With yoga and scented candles, you can infuse wellbeing into both body and home.
