3 Surprising Ways Candles Can Train Your Brain: From Motivation To Relaxation

Candles have been used for centuries for many purposes, such as lighting up a room or providing warmth. But did you know that you can use candles to train your brain?

Today, learn how you can use soy wax candles to have more motivation, increase focus and productivity, and of course, unwind and relax at the end of the day.

Training Your Brain Boils Down To Routine and Rituals

You are a creature of habit. You wake up at the same time every day, do similar things, and hit the hay around the same time. These are called rituals, and your brain has traced not only the significant steps in your day but also the subtle signs to prepare for what comes next. Here are three real-life examples.

Walking Into The Kitchen

Did you know the moment you walk to your kitchen, your brain sends a signal to your salivary glands to secrete? This is done subconsciously, but your brain is trained, nourishment comes when you walk into the kitchen, and it needs to be prepared.

Is It 5 o'clock Yet?

The same thing happens when you check your clock at work, and it's close to leaving time. Your brain checks out of work mode, and you feel antsy, less focused; your brain runs through the things you need to pick up on your way home. It's trained that once the clock hits a specific time, it's supposed to switch gears and get ready for home life.

Zero Motivation After Work

The final example is when you get home after work and change into your comfy clothes, you have less motivation to leave your home and work out. What happens is, as soon as you walk into the house, your brain gets the message, we are home; it's time to relax and do nothing for the rest of the day. That's why the fitness experts say, go to the gym straight from work to bypass your trained brain.

How To Use Soy Wax Candles To Build Rituals?

If our brains are easy to train and pick up on the slightest sign that something is coming next, let's use that for our benefit. Like lighting a soy wax candle before we work out, work, and relax for the night.

This is what will happen once your brain is trained. The act of opening the drawer where the matches are stored will signal to your brain, oh, it's time to work out now, oh it's time to focus now, oh it's time to relax.

How Does My Brain know When It's Time To Work Or Relax?

Great question. So many clues, time of day, what you are wearing, location, and the scent of your soy candle.

Your brain is insanely intelligent and will know, based on what you are wearing, what room you are in, time of day, and the scent of your candle, that it's time to do yoga. Or that we are in work attire, sitting at a desk, and the smell of bergamot signals to your brain that it's time to focus and be productive.

3 Ways Soy Wax Candles Can Train Your Brain:

Now that we know that training your brain is all about rituals let's look at three ways to train your brain to be more motivated, focused, and relaxed, basically on command.

Train Your Brain #1: Light A Soy Wax Candle Before You Workout 

If you're looking for an extra boost before your next workout, try lighting a soy wax candle. Candles are known to help release endorphins, which is the "feel-good" hormone that is responsible for making us happy. Not only will this help get you in the mood to work out, but it will also help you enjoy your workout more.

Choose a scent that is known to be happy, like a citrusy scent like lemon or grapefruit. Or you might prefer a more refreshing scent like eucalyptus or peppermint. Experiment with different scents until you find one that works for you.

Once you've found your perfect soy candle, light it about 30 minutes before your workout. This will give the scent time to fill the room and get you in the mood to work up a sweat.

Don't forget; the ritual begins with opening the drawer to grab the matches. That signals to the brain to get ready. It's workout time. Then once your brain smells the scent, it knows what training time it is and gets prepared for a workout.

Train Your Brain #2: Be More Focused And Productive At Work By Lighting A Soy Wax Candle

If you're looking for a way to jump-start your workday, try lighting a soy wax candle. Soy wax candles help increase productivity and focus, and the key is to find a scent that you enjoy that helps you stay focused.

Some people like citrusy based aromatherapy to keep their mood elevated and happy. Others prefer fragrances like Cactus and Sea Salt or Olive Oil + Bergamot; both contain uplifting notes and help focus the mind.

Again experiment with different scents until you find the one that works best for you, and then light your candle 30 minutes before you start work, so the fragrance has enough time to fill the room and help you get in the right mindset for a productive day.

Train Your Brain #3: When It's Time To Unwind Light A Soy Wax Candle

The last way we will discuss how to train your brain is relaxation. If you feel stressed or anxious, lighting a soy wax candle can help you relax and unwind. The ceremonial act around lighting a candle along with the aromas will allow your mind to calm down and welcome you to respite.

Soy wax candles that promote relaxation are lavender, eucalyptus, Wood Sage, and Sea Salt.

You will want to experiment with your preferences and once you have a scented candle that works for you, remember it's all about the ritual. Keep your matches or lighter stored in the exact location, and light your candle in the same area. Do the same thing after you light the candle. The ritual paired with the scent will train your brain to relax and let go for the evening.

Candles Do More Than Smell Amazing!

The next time you want to feel motivated, focused, or relaxed, remember the power of rituals and practice building one with your soy candle. Don't forget the formula: keep your matches in the same drawer, the candle in an exact location with a similar scent for that task. Keeping that sacred for work if you want to focus and citrusy aromas help you concentrate. If eucalyptus enables you to relax, then keep that for your nighttime ritual and so on.

I hope you found this helpful, and more importantly, you feel empowered! Happy training your brain with candles!

Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People

If you enjoy laughing, tips on how to practice self-care while managing your busy life, and of course candles, we invite you to join our Candle Family. We host monthly challenges game nights and regularly post our private Facebook group Bella Vida Family. Join our family today and be surrounded by supportive, positive people in 2022!