Light Your Way to a Better Mood With These Candle Scents

Candles can do more than just light a room. “Your nose has a straight shot to the amygdala portion of the brain, where emotions and memories are stored,” explains certified aromatherapist Jen McCraw. “When we inhale specific smells, they can trigger and release stored emotions and directly affect our mood.” The scent of lavender can help you feel relaxed and improve sleep. Feeling nauseous? Light a ginger candle. If you’re trying to kickstart your creativity, try cinnamon. Shifting your mood could be as easy as lighting a candle. Let your light shine with our guide to candle scents.

Confidence: The scent of sandalwood can increase confidence. Light the Hearthfire Sandalwood Soy Candle  ($25) before a job interview, first date, or any time you need to remind yourself of how amazing you are.

Anxiety: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Cypress, and more have been known to decrease anxiety. Light the Paddywax Scented Candle Bergamot + Mahogany ($20) when you're starting to feel on edge.

Joy: The smell of grass can make you feel happy and joyous like it's the first day of summer, hence homesick's Summer Camp Candle ($30).

Energy: When you need a boost of energy, you've gotta go citrus. The Pier1 Citrus Cilantro 3-Wick Candle ($17) is packed with lemon, lime, and grapefruit and topped off with basil, cilantro, and rosemary.

Romance: If you're looking get in the mood, try this Bath & Body Works Rose Vanilla 3-Wick Candle ($25). The rose brings out all the feels while the vanilla inspires a cozy feeling, great for movie nights and snuggles.

Memory: Rosemary has several wellness properties, one of which can improve your memory. The Aveda Rosemary Mint Vegan Soy Wax Candle ($45) is a good burn while checking off the day's to-dos.

Creativity: Spice up your creativity, literally, with the spice in Anthropologie's Nest Fragrances Three-Wick Boxed Candle ($68). The pumpkin with cinnamon-infused base should fuel your next brainstorm.

Nausea: Ginger is great for nausea, but you don't have to eat it to benefit from its effects. This Votivo Aromatic Black Ginger Candle ($28) could do the trick.

Relaxation: Light the L' Artisan Muse Relax Candle ($30) and let the lavender help you unwind after a long day.

Anger: Ylang-Ylang has been known to relieve anger. The Lou & Grey's Contents Co. Candle ($14) also contains bergamot and peppermint, which could help you clear your mind so you think rationally and not emotionally.

Nervous Tension: Sandalwood, frankincense, chamomile, cloves, and more are all great scents to alleviate nervous tension. A good fix: Lather's Frankincense & Sandalwood Candle ($10).

Aches and Pains: Frankincense has many health benefits, including its ability to soothe aches and pains. Try lighting Goop's Scented Candle: Edition 03 - Incense ($72) the next time you feel a little sore (also a great gift for expecting mamas).

Stress Relief: The rose and orange in Joya's Putnam & Putnam Amnesia Scented Candle ($88) can be just what you need after a demanding work day.

Grief: Whether you're grieving the loss of an S-O, a friendship, or a job, soothe your sorrow with this Rosemary and Sage Marrakesh Filled Jar Candle ($8).

Depression: Citrus is known to boost energy, but specific citrus scents like grapefruit can also alleviate feelings of depression. Jonathan Adler's Grapefruit Pop Candle ($38) blends pink grapefruit and white grapefruit to help lift your mood when you're feeling down.

Irritation: Light DW Home's Lavender Chamomile ($12) candle helps you to calm down (thanks chamomile) and relax (thanks lavender). You may want to leave one at the office and one at home.