Finding Comfort at Home with Scented Candles and Games
Home is where we can truly relax and be ourselves. After busy days full of responsibilities, there’s nothing better than coming back to a comfortable sanctuary. Small touches and rituals can transform a house into a warm, welcoming space that feels like a refuge. For me, lighting scented candles and playing games at home create a soothing ambiance perfect for unwinding.
A flickering scented candle makes any room instantly cozier. The soft glow coupled with lovely aromas turns my home into a private spa. Lighting a candle as part of my evening wind-down routine signals to my body and mind that it’s time to relax. Lavender and chamomile candles are soothing. Fruity scents like pear or citrus provide an uplifting zest. I love experimenting with different scented candles to customize my space.
Beyond setting a calming mood, studies show scented candles can have therapeutic effects. Inhaling certain fragrances triggers production of serotonin and other compounds that reduce stress. The scents activate the olfactory bulb which is closely tied to parts of the brain related to memory, emotion and cognition. Scented candles aren’t just decorative—they can actually change how we think and feel in positive ways.
Game nights are another favorite way I like to decompress at home. Long days leave my brain feeling drained, so playing casual games provides a fun distraction without needing much mental energy. Multiplayer games are especially nice for quality time and interacting with loved ones in a meaningful way. Laughter fills the house when friends and family come over for rounds of Monopoly Deal or Apples to Apples.
On quiet nights in, curling up with a blanket and cup of tea to play a solo game provides therapeutic escapism. Apps like Two Dots and Wordscapes give my mind a break from daily stressors with puzzles that engage without exhausting me. Soothing music and beautiful graphics make gaming a meditative mini retreat.
Immersive solo adventures like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley transport me to serene worlds where I can set my own pace. The nonviolent gameplay and charming characters create a calming experience. These games allow me to get lost in my own imagination and return to a childlike sense of wonder, even if just for a little while. They provide temporary relief from real world worries.
Our homes contain our most valuable relationships and possessions. But it’s often the simple joys that turn a house into a cherished sanctuary. Listen to your body’s needs and give yourself permission to relax and recharge, free from judgement and obligations. Light that scented candle you’ve been saving. Break out classic board games and laugh freely with people who fill your heart. Build a virtual farm or go fishing on a sunny in-game island. Find comfort, meaning and peace in your own home.
