Ditch the Stress Ball: 3 Reasons Creatives Are Switching to Candles (And You Should Too)

 

Still staring at that client proposal at 9 PM, shoulders tight, mind racing?

I was there last year—running digital campaigns for three clients simultaneously, constantly toggling between strategy calls, analytics, and content revisions. My "relaxation toolkit" consisted of caffeine and stress balls. Not exactly sustainable.

Then a creative director I respect walked into our video call with something unexpected: she lit a candle before we began brainstorming. I was skeptical (very) but intrigued enough to try it myself.

Six months later, I've discovered what high-performers have known for years: scented candles aren't just decorative—they're strategic tools for mental performance.

Here's why creatives specifically benefit from incorporating candles into their workflow:

**1. The science is legitimate.**

Scented candles actually lower cortisol levels (your primary stress hormone) when used consistently. When you're facing tight deadlines or managing client expectations, specific scents create physiological changes that help you regulate emotions. For marketers constantly context-switching between analytical and creative modes, this biological reset is invaluable.

**2. They create ritual transitions.**

In marketing, we bounce between deep focus tasks (analyzing campaign data) and creative work (conceptualizing content). The simple act of lighting a candle signals to your brain: "We're switching modes now." I use citrus scents for strategy sessions and lavender for creative writing. After two weeks, my brain began associating these scents with specific types of thinking.

**3. They elevate client interactions.**

I started lighting candles during client calls from home. The subtle background element changes the conversation dynamic in ways I didn't anticipate. Clients comment on it, conversations feel warmer, and I've noticed myself speaking more confidently and deliberately. It's a small touch that elevates the perception of care and attention.

The best part? Unlike complicated meditation apps or expensive wellness programs, this requires zero technical knowledge or ongoing time investment.

My approach is simple: I keep three candles in rotation—one for deep work (Kismet), one for creative development (Integridad), and one for end-of-day unwinding (coming soon).

For those of us committed to sustaining high performance without burnout, this might be the simplest productivity hack you're not using.

What unexpected tools have you found that help you manage marketing stress or enhance your creative flow?