Benefits of using Candlelight as part of a Relaxation Ritual

A candle light flame can soothe and calm you upon focusing, learn the benefits of using candle light as part of a relaxation ritual. Candles are associated to religious and spiritual ceremonies all over the world, the flames illumination touches the soul.

Candles are associated with festive occasions- on a birthday cake, special occasions like wedding anniversary, enjoying a meal with someone special. The light from the candles has a calming effect for you. You can take complete benefit of candle light in a moment of stillness and solitude. Turn off the lights, television and minimize external sounds and then focus on the lights to get a soothing effect. People do find it easy to achieve a meditative state by focusing on the candles lights in similarity to mantras, rosary

The calming effect of candlelight can be a simple yet sacred tool to help reduce stress and increase self-awareness. Bring the tranquil and restorative light of candles into your daily life.

Points to be considered while selecting candles:

• Choose candles that are made from beeswax, renewable, free of toxins and biodegradable.
• A pleasing scent can be extremely soothing, and go for candles that are infused with natural essential oils. Popularly known as aromatherapy.
• Candles come in various colors, select pastel or plain white candles that will help you to remain relaxed and to focus on the flame itself.
• Stay safe by keeping candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, use sturdy, tip-proof holders, and avoid burning candles all the way down. Avoid curtains that can blow close to the candles.

Also read: How to Remove Candle wax stuck on clothes

Integrating Candle light into a Relaxation Ritual

After you have chosen candles, incorporate them to various aspects of your daily routine and create a calming environment wherever you desire.

Morning or evening: Create an altar using a shelf, table in a well ventilated area. In addition to candles you can include objects of relevance that inspire or relax you – crystals, seashells, figurines, flowers and/or plants, personal mementos, photos or other images, written affirmations.

Spend a few moments each day after you wake up, or just before bed time, sitting quietly in this space. Focus on the flames as you are seated, notice their beauty as you relax and breathe through your nose. Inhale for six counts, hold for three and exhale for six. If your thoughts begin to stray, gently return your attention to the candle.

For stress release, turn your attention to the melting wax and imagine it as tension melting and dripping away.

In the bathroom: The next time you are preparing to soak in the tub or take a shower, turn out the lights and rely on candles instead. You give yourself a double dose of relaxation by combining the known stress-relieving activity of soothing yourself with warm water with calming candlelight.

In Exercise Routines: If you practice yoga or meditation at home, try adding a few candles. The calming effects can help you relax both your mind and your body, allowing for deeper stretches and better concentration. You may also find that sitting quietly or lying down in a candle-lit room is a great way to unwind after an intense workout.

At work: When you need a quick break from the stressors in your job, consider lighting a candle on your desk at work, and spending a few minutes focusing on its flame. Check with your employer to see if lit candles are allowed in your office ( i.e smoke detector installed), this is a great space for electronic candles.

Also read: Learn what to do when your Job is making you Stressed

Just be sure to never leave the candles unattended and don’t place it too close to paperwork, plants or anything else that could be a fire hazard.

You can reap many benefits by using candlelight as part of a relaxation ritual. You will have a positive effect as you start the day with positive thoughts that will bring in hordes of energy and good health.

7 Tips to Avoid Tears While Cutting Onions

Why do Eyes water and Ears wet when Onion is cut?

Why do your eyes get wet and tears roll down when you peel and cut an onion. You may also have felt dampness in your ear. In Indian cooking you cannot avoid Onions. It is a basic ingredient in most curries and snacks.

Cutting onions was a task that was avoided in childhood days. The task of cutting onion used to be transferred to older siblings.

The basic reason that eyes water is, that when you cut an onion, you break cells, releasing their contents. These cells are separated into two sections, the first storing amino acids, the other storing a sulphur compound amino acid sulfoxides. When you cut into the onion, these two compounds mix and the amino acids cause the sulphur compound to react, first to form a sulfenic acid and then into a gas, propanethiol S-oxide. It is this gas that reaches your eyes. The reason the gas makes you cry is that the gas reacts with the water in your eyes and forms a mild form of sulphuric acid. Tears are stimulated by the sensitive nerve endings in the eyes and by the tear ducts working to dilute the acid in the eyes and reduce the pain.

Cooking the onion inactivates the enzyme, so even though the smell of cooked onions may be strong, it doesn’t burn your eyes. You will also observe a strong odor in your hands after you cut onions. You will at times feel a faint smell even after washing your hands using hand wash solution. Opt for lime juice or rind of lime to remove the odor.

Also read: Top 6 Chemical Cleaners hiding in your kitchen

How to avoid shedding tears?

You can avoid the burning of eyes by storing peeled onions in the refrigerator prior to chopping / slicing. There are certain techniques by which you can avoid burning of eyes.

• Maintain distance from eyes, stretch your hands by holding the knife a little farther. The acid disperses in the air before reaching your eyes.
• Light a candle near the cutting board or if you have a gas stove, light a burner. Cut onions as close to the flame as possible without danger of being burned. The heat will draw the sulfur to it and away from your eyes.
• Chew gum, have a piece of bread or sugar cube in your mouth. Why does this work? The theory is that having something in your mouth encourages you to breathe through your mouth, sucking in the droplets before they hit your eyes.
• Place a small onion or a cut onion on the tip of the knife, the burning sensation is nil. The biggest joke is that all the others in the room will be furious due to burning eyes but the person cutting onions will have no problem in the eyes.
• Place a small stick( edge of a match stick) or SS spoon in between your teeth and hold it tight while chopping onions. Eyes will not water.

Logical reasons are not known but it is evident that you will not have tears in your eyes. These simple techniques do make a difference.

The root side of onions have concentric sulphur content. Advised to cut off the root side in the last. This will minimize sulfur dispersion in the air.

Hope you have got the tips to avoid shedding of tears while cutting onions.

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