At one time in our history, candles were used primarily for functional purposes, to light our homes and businesses after dark. Today, candles are used to help us relax and rejuvenate. Beautifully scented candles are a perfect compliment to a good book, a hot bath and good meal. They are also the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. With all of their many uses and great benefits, scented candles make the perfect Valentine's Day gift for a special someone or for good friends.
Smell is one of our most powerful and satisfying senses. Smell can help evoke feelings of pleasure, calm and romance. In this article, we will provide three reasons why scented candles would make a great Valentine's Day gifts.
1. Scented Candles are Inexpensive Scented candles are an inexpensive and charming gift. You can find many great and sensationally smelling candles at really good prices. A good place to begin looking for Valentine's Day candles is at a local candle shop or at a major retailer. You can also find some very unique specialty scents online.
2. Scented Candles Can Affect Mood Scent can evoke strong emotional reactions and thus affect how we feel. This is in part, because scent affects our olfactory nerves which in turn, have an effect on the limbic system. The limbic system affects things like serotonin. Serotonin is the hormone that makes us feel happy. As a result, scented candles can be very good for one's emotional health.
Our past experiences with a particular scent, also determine our feelings for a certain smell. So ask your friends or your partner what their favorite scents are to make sure that the candles you purchase, trigger happy memories and not bad ones.
3. Scented Candles Can Be Healing Scented candles with essential oils (also known as aromatherapy candles) have some medicinal affects. Aromatherapy candles can help to quell respiratory, throat, ears and nose irritations. They are also believed to be able to aid individuals with mild forms of depression.
Studies have shown that particular smells can positively affect our emotions, mood, memory and even our physical bodies. Scented candles are an inexpensive and enjoyable way to take advantage of the power of smell. When you are shopping for the Valentine's Day candle be sure to take into account the decor of the home of the person that you are purchasing the candle for. You will want to buy something that looks good in their home. If you don't have an idea of what might look good, simply ask them. The careful consideration and care that goes into choosing just the right scented candle, for the Valentine's Day holiday, will be greatly appreciated by the receiver and will contribute to the quality of the gift.
While shopping the other day, I ran into a friend. He told me that he'd recently ended a relationship with his girlfriend. He noticed that I had bought a box a valentine cards and said sadly, "Once again, I'll be staying home this Valentine's Day!" Not exactly knowing what to say, I told him I was sorry about the break up and then we went our separate ways.
By the time I got home, I realized I was furious at myself and at Valentine's Day. This man has great friends and a very loving family. Yet, on Valentine's Day he planned to be alone. Why? He didn't have a girlfriend.
It made me angry that he would be alone just because he's single. Personally, I think Valentine's Day discriminates against singles! The majority of the marketing blitz for it emphasizes being in a love relationship with a partner. The message is that if you're single, then you might as well forget Valentine's Day.
Wait a minute. What's wrong with being single? Think about it. I've thought about it and it makes me wish I could repeat that conversation with my friend. If I could, here's what I might have suggested to him:
WRITE YOURSELF A VALENTINE.
Buy or make a valentine. Inside it write things you like about yourself and what makes you special. But don't stop there, take the next step and mail this valentine to yourself. If Valentine's Day is about love, then why not express the love you have for who you are and the person you've become. This is something you can do by yourself and for yourself.
SEND FLOWERS TO YOURSELF
Okay, I know some of you are thinking that this is a selfish thing to do. But if you enjoy flowers, why shouldn't you give them to yourself? Let them remind you of what you have accomplished or what you plan to accomplish in this coming year. If not flowers, then send yourself a different gift as a reminder that you ARE loved.
CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS.
What's so important about having a partner, when you have supportive family members and/or friends who love you? Get together with the people who are important to you. Perhaps have a dinner or a picnic. Whatever gathering you plan, take time to tell each person why they are special to you. Then, let them tell YOU why you are so special. That's sharing love.
DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD.
Think about what would make you feel good on Valentine's Day. You might take your dog for a nice run in the park, surprise a lonely neighbor with a valentine, fix a favorite dinner and eat by candlelight or get in touch with an old friend. Doing something good for yourself or someone else is a wonderful expression of love and a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
I missed my opportunity with my friend, but I get a second chance with those of you reading this article. Don't dread Valentine's Day if you're single. Remember that love is more than just being a couple. Sure it's nice to be with someone special, but if you're not, it doesn't mean you don't have loving relationships.
This Valentine's Day pay tribute to love. Celebrate the love of whomever gives you support; your family, your friends, your pet or even yourself!
Both Maya Matthews & Sara Healy are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Maya Matthews has sinced written about articles on various topics from fitness center, Arts and Fitness. Maya Matthews is a freelance writer at . Visit her to read more about scented candles and. Maya Matthews's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.
Sara Healy has sinced written about articles on various topics from Self Confidence, Health Insurance and self improvement and motivation. Sara Healy is a life coach who helps people with life and career transitions using their strengths and values. She is passionate about helping men and women create lives that fit who they are and what they believe in. She works best with creative clients. Sara Healy's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.