Light a Candle: Self-Care Week 31

Posted on by Sandy Burch
red lighted candle
Photo by icon0.com on Pexels.com

Hello, Friends!

We’re talking about self-care and I just would like to remind you that we could call it “Self-ownership” or “personal responsibility”. Taking care of yourself IS your responsibility. You realize that if you are worn out, sick or stressed, you will not be able to function well. You will not be able to help anyone else. Like they say, if your glass is empty, you can’t give a drink to anyone else. We don’t want to be self-centered, but we do need to take care of the Temple of God (psst: that’s you and me!)

Remember one of our first Self-Care Tools? The one about giving yourself a break? I used that tool this week! And it’s works very well at releasing pressure. Even the pressure you put on yourself! I hope you don’t mind my pushing the blog a couple of days this week.

Now, for this week’s little Self-Care Tool: Light a Candle. Simple, huh?

But what good is lighting a candle? So happy you asked! It turns out there are some lovely benefits connected with lighting a candle. Read on!

Candles have gone from utilitarian to decorative over the course of decades. They are connected with celebrations, romance, relaxation and home decor. They are warm and inviting, instantly changing the atmosphere whether inside or out.

Candles are known as soothing and healing and are often used by therapists to create a peaceful atmosphere. You don’t have to be a therapist to use candles, though.

Watching the flame of a candle is calming and even just 60 seconds- one minute- can help you de-stress after a long, difficult day.

Don’t forget aromatherapy candles! For instance, a lavender scented candle brings relaxation and is a wonderful prelude to a good night’s sleep. Or how about a lemon scent? Instant energy and relief from anxiety and depression. Did you know there are candles especially for men? That would be an outside-the-box gift for those guys who are are hard to buy for! And while we’re talking about scent, let’s not forget how easily it is to change that weird smell in your house (kitchen or bathroom?) with a neutrally scented candle. So much nicer than those heavy sprays!

Outside, citronella candles drive away the bugs. Yay!

Certain scented candles might remind us of pleasant memories and therefore help us relax or feel good. Like the scent of fir might bring back memories of a special Christmas, camping trip or a walk in the forest.

Oh yes! Once more thing… You know those cool little candles in a can? Perfect for travel and hiding the strange hotel smells.

How about those birthday cake candles? Instant celebration!

Or a candle-light dinner with your sweetie is so romantic.

Candles help us relax when meditating or soaking in worship. Candles sometimes help us remember a loved one or a special event. We also light candles to show our solidarity with others or a cause.

Here’s a cool chart to give you a place to start if you’re new to candles:

Pet Your Pet, Self-Care Week 17

Posted on by Sandy Burch

The Toolbox is filling up! What is today’s Self-care Tool?

It’s something many of us do quite naturally, without even thinking about it. Get ready to stuff your favorite pet into your Toolbox! LOL! Think about THAT for a few moments! Hilarious!! Unless you have a pet mouse, it would probably be pretty tricky to get your pet into a toolbox. I know my cats HATE it when I have to force them into an enclosed box (cat carrier) to go to the vet or get their claws trimmed or ANYTHING! Dogs are generally more agreeable to being confined in their kennel. But would it fit into a toolbox? Not unless it’s a Teacup Yorkie or something similar.

Hey. What’s all this talk about pets? We were going to talk about Self-Care tools.

So, what IS this week’s tool?

It’s short and sweet. It’s petting your pet, of course.

We all do it every day because we like it and we know our cat or dog likes it too. But did you know that simple, natural act has greater benefits?

I’ve had cats almost my entire life. The times I haven’t had at least one, were stressful and I knew there was something missing in my life. Even our rescued, shelter cats who are still rather stand-offish and “skitterish”, will condescend to allow us to pet them. It’s on their terms but it is still helps to me be calm when I stroke their fur. Petting them just makes my world a better place.

There is all sorts of information and research about how animals help the people around
them. We feel less stressed, sleep better, eat better, get more exercise, relate better with other people, have more confidence (as in helping a shy child read out loud, for instance) when we have a pet or therapy animal. I even read an article where an animal expert, Arden Moore, said playing with your pet spider can relax you. Huh? I don’t know about spiders being relaxing. I do know spiders are anything BUT relaxing to me and many people I know! But hey. Whatever floats your boat, right?
I’ve digressed. Ms. Moore also says even bird watching is relaxing and beneficial.
Studies show that touch, such as stroking an animal’s fur, releases the hormones oxytocin and endorphins. Those are the “feel-good” hormones and can relax both you and your pet, helping reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Having a pet helps relieve anger, depression and even the perception of pain, giving the person a reason to get out of bed in the morning, purpose and a companion.
I’ll keep it short but if you’re interested in reading more from experts and research I’ve included a few references at the bottom.
The main thing to remember is that if you have a cat or dog (or spider!?), you have a wonderful tool for reducing stress and taking good care of yourself. Don’t- or can’t- live with an animal? “Borrow” one from a friend. Or perhaps, volunteer at the local shelter and help them socialize the strays. There is even some research to suggest that simply thinking about an animal is helpful to our brains and can produce some of the good effects of being around animals.
My photos are, on the left, Ebert the Orange and Joey curled together; and my grand-dog, Nash, who thinks he’s a lap dog in spite of being a Standard Poodle! Just a few of the loves in my life.
Do you have a dog or cat? Or spider?? What is your experience? I’d truly love to hear about your pet- even if it’s a spider. Please share how you find your pet relaxing in the comments.
Thanks so much for joining us in this journey to fill up a Toolbox of Self-Care tools so we are all prepared to *take good care of yourself*!
Some resources, as promised: