The Link Between Scent and Emotion
Finding ways to stay centred and cultivate moments of calm in today’s fast-paced world can feel like a task rather than true self-care. Sometimes exploring the simple, sensory rituals can be the most powerful path to a sense of harmony.
Linked to both the mind and body, scent is often valued as a simple yet effective method to nurture wellbeing. Whether it’s by lighting a candle, enjoying a fragrant soak or rolling on a pulse point oil, smell can help to transform ordinary routines into acts of mindfulness and self-connection.
How Does Fragrance Affect Your Mood?
Tied to memory and mood, scent is one of our most influential senses. Emotion-processing (or limbic) regions of the brain like the amygdala and hippocampus are directly linked to the olfactory bulb, the structure in which we first receive smell information. This olfactory-limbic connection is why we may feel nostalgic around certain smells and soothed or uplifted by others.
Some common examples of the scent-emotion response include how we may associate lavender with a calming profile, citrus with enhanced energy, and notes like peppermint with stimulating properties.
By recognising how smell can shape your mood, you can harness it to enhance emotional wellbeing and foster inner balance.
A Holistic Approach to Experiencing Scent
Setting intentions when using home scents may invite a sense of clarity, relaxation or focus into your space. Fragrance is a powerful tool for grounding, feeling present and engaging with the world around you with greater awareness.
It’s in these moments that we can truly feel in tune with our mind and body, bringing us back to balance – an expression of genuine self-care.
To get the most from your desired scent experience, we’ve highlighted a few tips to try next time you light an ESPA candle:
Enhance the Atmosphere
Instead of simply lighting a candle, make time to transform your home into a mindful sanctuary. In the evening, turn off bright overhead lights and switch on a warm lamp to accompany the golden flame for a cosy ambience. Our softly spiced Soothing Candle is perfect for these moments.
In the day, try opening the curtains and windows to let in light and airflow whilst breathing in an uplifting aroma. Try our Positivity Candle and let its cedarwood and white floral blend restore a sense of optimism.
Meditate with Your Chosen Candle
Meditation is a simple yet effective practice that allows you to find strength in stillness and focus on breathwork. Choose a quiet, dimly lit room and place the candle carefully beside you or at eye level and sit comfortably with a straight spine.
Set your intention, such as clarity, calm or presence. Let your breath find its natural rhythm and allow the essential oil blend you’ve chosen to soothe the mind, body and senses.
Grounding Exercises
Whilst inhaling the scents, make mental note of three things you can see, hear or feel. This brings awareness back into the body, aligning the senses to the present moment. Notes like chamomile and sandalwood are believed to have calming, grounding benefits.
Alternatively, why not try journalling alongside the aromas of a stimulating blend. The act of writing down daily thoughts or affirmations while breathing in inspiring fragrance notes might help you to focus or relax, refining and enriching the ritual.
ESPA’s Candle Collection
Backed by aromachology, the scientific study of scent and its implications on mood and emotion, explore our new and improved signature candle range.
Each candle is expertly blended with natural wax and the finest pure essential oils to deliver a mood-evoking effect. Curate a scented sanctuary for any wellbeing moment.
Bergamot and Jasmine
Serene bergamot and jasmine are paired with the gentle breeze of ylang ylang and patchouli. This balancing blend is an aromatherapeutic all-rounder, ideal for moments of both tranquillity and transformation alike. While bergamot delivers an energising effect, notes of comforting tonka bean invite a bright, cosy air into your home.
Positivity
Uplift the senses with this floral-woody candle. Characterised by white flowers, such as jasmine for its rich, relaxing aroma, plus cedarwood to provide an air of confidence, the blend evokes a feeling of gratitude.
Restorative
A fresh, cooling scent that supports a moment of clarity and focus. Infused with comforting lavender, vibrant orange and refreshing eucalyptus, light this candle after a long day or when working on a project to enjoy its gentle citrus aroma.
Soothing
For moments of soothing serenity, light this spiced, woody scent, rich in geranium, ylang ylang and myrrh. While its warm woody nuances burn, the aroma helps to ground us into its earthy energy, encouraging a tranquil ambience.
£45.00
£45.00
£45.00
£45.00
More than just fragrance, our range of thoughtfully chosen scents are dedicated to enhancing the moments that matter. Take the time to unwind and tune into the mood-boosting benefits of each candle by shopping the full collection here.
