Making "Total Scents": How Candles Calm My Anxious Brain

If you read my first blog, you know how much I talk about anxiety and how I am currently managing it. If you haven't, well go back silly. This post isn't as much about anxiety and my personal journey, but more so showcasing a calming technique I use often when I feel my anxiety starting to get out of control.

Clearly surviving not thriving LOL (circa 2023)

A couple years back, one of my many "I am going to start a ___ business" ideas was a candle business specifically for other members of the military. It was fun to do, and relatively easy to keep up with. Unfortunately, I moved to a place where I can't really ship them as easily or cheaply, so I put it on a temporary pause (sad face). It all started when I took Company Command, one of the arguably hardest positions for an officer in the Reserve (don't come for me okay). My brain felt like a Windows XP computer with dial up internet trying to run a simple video game (if you know you know.) With a stressful position in the Reserve, and a high tempo civilian job, I needed an outlet. Insert candle-making, an activity that doesn't require TOO much brain power.

Make it Make Scents

To put it in more "sciency terms", candle making combines sensory engagement, creativity, and repetitive actions, all of which contribute to reducing the several squirrels that make up my brain. I am not a doktor, but based on some Youtube University research, here’s how I see it work for me:

• Focus

From measuring the amount of wax to use to making sure it is the correct temperature before pouring, these types of motions redirect my focus and thoughts from AHH all the things to simply making sure I am making the candle properly and safely.

• Sensory Stimulation

The glow of candlelight, the soothing mixture of essential oils, and the tactile feel of cold wax all stimulate the senses in calming ways. A girl like me heavily relies on safe sensory objects to stim out, and candle making is no exception.

• Creative Expression

I don't know if it is because I am right brain dominant or just artsy, I LOVE finding new outlets to express my creativity through art of any medium. This form of expression has been one of my most effective ways to mellow out.

• Repetitive Movements

Stirring wax or trimming wicks involves gentle, repetitive motions that can have a meditative effect, similar to knitting or coloring. This makes sense because I love me a good coloring book, and I have knitted like four baby blankets this year. Must be doing something right.

Wanna Try for Yourself? Here's What You Need:

There are several ways to make candles, and trust it does not need to be a complicated and expensive process. I started with my friend Taylor with a couple containers of wax melt from Walfart, a candle kit from Michaels, and a mug from Target. It really depends on what kind of candle you want to make, but below is the bare minimum to start.

• Wax

Personally, I prefer soy wax and beeswax because they are paraffin free and easier to use as a beginner. If you don't want to buy wax by itself, just get a cheap saint candle and melt it down.

• Wicks

For my business, I used EcoWicks which are 100% cotton and burns clean. The key to your wick is making sure that it is the correct length before burning. It should be no more than 1/4 inch before lighting the wick.

• Containers

Glass jars, tins, or ceramic holders work well. Make sure they are heat-resistant. If you don't want to go out and buy a new container, try to reuse an old candle container or a coffee mug.

• Fragrance Oils

In my humble leypinion, essential oils are better than fragrance oils because burning them doesn't give me migraines. (Go chemicals LOL) Again, do what you like, but remember essential oils aren't going to have as potent of a scent. Scents like lavender or eucalyptus are better if your goal is to relax.

• (Optional) Colorants

Candle dyes or natural colorants add visual appeal, but absolutely aren't necessary and often have ingredients that honestly shouldn't be inhaled.

• Thermometer

In the beginning, I admit, I didn't really use one because that was just another thing to buy so I kept a close eye on the wax in the melting pot and went with my gut. Later on, I bought an electronic melting pot that had temperature controls (fancy teehee).

• Double Boiler or Melting Pot

Please, for the love of God, do not just put a candle jar on the stove and try to melt the wax that way, it will not work. Additionally, use extra caution when pouring hot wax into glass jars.

• Stirring Utensil

A wooden stick or metal spoon. Use what you got.

• Wick Holders

I have seen people use the wooden sticks and hold the wicks that way, it works, but I prefer the metal wick holders because it also gives you a good cutting spot without measuring.

Easy Candle Making Process

Here’s a straightforward process to create your own candle:

1. Prepare Your Workspace

   Cover surfaces with newspaper or a cloth to catch spills. You may try to be careful, but wax will likely drip somewhere. Set out all materials. and put on an apron or change into some clothes that you don't mind getting messy in.

   
   

2. Melt the Wax

   Use a melting pot or double boiler to melt the wax slowly, stirring every couple minutes. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer or eyeball it when it completely melts.

   
   

3. Add Fragrance (and color if desired)

   Once melted, remove the pot from heat and add your scents or color. Stir gently but thoroughly.

   
   

4. Attach the Wick

   Secure the wick to the bottom of your container using a wick sticker or a dab of melted wax. (I prefer wick sticker)

   
   
   
   

5. Center the Wick  

   Use a wick holder to keep the wick straight and place before pouring.

   
   

6. Pour the Wax  

   Carefully pour the wax into the container, leaving some space at the top. You don't want to fill it all the way up especially if the container has a lid.

   
   

7. Let It Set

   Allow the candle to cool and harden completely, usually a few hours.

   
   
   
   

8. Trim the Wick

   Cut the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting.

9. Burning Tips

   When burning, your candle creates a "burn memory", it is imperative that when you first light your candle that you let it burn for at least an hour, or until the entire top layer of wax in the candle is melted. This will help ensure the candle burns evenly and use all available wax elongating the burn time.

   
   

Tips to Enhance the Therapeutic Experience

To get the most from candle making as a calming activity, consider these tips:

• Choose Relaxing Scents

Scents like lavender, sandalwood, or vanilla are known for their calming properties. My favorite is Vanilla Bean mixed with Sandalwood.

• Create a Comfortable Environment

Work in a quiet, well-lit space where you feel safe and relaxed.

• Focus on the Process, Not Perfection

Enjoy the act of making rather than stressing about the final product.

• Use the Candles Mindfully

Light your candles during meditation, reading, or before bedtime to extend the calming effects.

• Invite Others

Making candles with friends or family can add social support and shared joy.

This was one of my bestselling candles, scented with Coconut and Vanilla essential oils, and named "DD 214" a document service members get after leaving the service.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Beginners often face a few hurdles when starting candle making. Here are solutions to common issues:

• Wick Not Centered

If the wick sticker or melted wax doesn't stick to the bottom once the wax has been poured, try to keep the wick as centered as possible with the wick holder, you don't want any bends in the wick or else the wick may collapse when burning later on.

• Wax Shrinking or Cracking

Pour wax at the right temperature and avoid moving the candle while it sets.

• Scent Too Weak

Add fragrance oils at the recommended temperature and use quality oils.

• Uneven Burning

Match wick size to container size, trim the wick before each use, and follow the above Burning Tips.

How Candle Making Fits into a Broader Self-Care Routine

Candle making can be part of a larger strategy to manage anxiety and improve well-being. Pair it with:

• Journaling

Write about your feelings before and after making candles.

• Breathing Exercises

Practice deep breathing while working on your candles.

• Gentle Movement

Stretch or do yoga to complement the calming effects.

• Regular Breaks

Use candle making as a scheduled break from screens and busy schedules.

Final Thoughts on Using Candle Making for Anxiety Relief

Whether you end up like making candles or not, if you tried out the process, congratulations on trying something new! The hardest part about Anxiety for me sometimes is the amount of time I feel like I am living inside my own head. Hours and hours can go by where I feel so overwhelmed and there is so much going on when in reality I am just sitting with my million thoughts. While completely ignoring your thoughts and feelings is absolutely not healthy, sometimes you just need a change of pace to get you out of a spiral.

If this makes "scents" as a way for you to manage stress, go for it!!! If it isn't your cup of tea, stay tuned as I try new techniques and hobbies to see what works best. I still don't know how to end this, but I am sure I will figure it out eventually. Until then, I love you byeeeee.