Candle Shack’s “CANDLE Calm” Methodology: Practical Strategies for Stress Management and Productivity
Running a candle-making business during peak seasons can be demanding. Long hours, tight deadlines, and managing orders can take a toll. To help, we’ve developed the CANDLE Calm Methodology, a framework grounded in evidence-based strategies to reduce stress and keep you productive when it matters most.
C – Create a Set of Priorities
Evidence-backed approach: Prioritisation has been shown to improve productivity by reducing decision fatigue. Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology highlights that setting clear daily goals increases focus and task completion (Locke & Latham, 2002).
How to apply it: Each morning, write down your top three priorities for the day. Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix can help you distinguish between urgent and important tasks. Stick to these priorities to avoid getting sidetracked by less critical work.
A – Anchor Your Day with Intention
Evidence-backed approach: Studies from the American Psychological Association suggest that planning your day improves time management and reduces stress. Starting with a structured plan can help you feel more in control, especially during busy periods (Schwartz, 2016).
How to apply it: Dedicate 5 minutes at the start of your day to outline a realistic schedule. Use time-blocking to allocate specific periods for pouring, packing, and customer service. For added focus, group similar tasks together to minimise mental switching costs.
N – Nurture Yourself with Breaks
Evidence-backed approach: The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity confirms that short breaks during work improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and boost productivity (Fathallah et al., 2015). Physical movement during breaks also helps prevent musculoskeletal strain—important for candle makers who spend hours on repetitive tasks.
How to apply it: Every 90 minutes, take a 5-minute break. Use this time to:
Stretch your wrists, shoulders, and neck to avoid repetitive strain injuries.
Drink water or eat a quick, healthy snack to maintain energy levels.
For structure, try the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break (Cirillo, 2006).
D – Declutter as You Go Along
Evidence-backed approach: Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience shows that clutter can overload the brain, making it harder to focus and process information (McMains & Kastner, 2011). A tidy workspace reduces cognitive load and increases efficiency.
How to apply it:
Implement a "clean as you go" system: After finishing a task like pouring wax, take a minute to reset your workstation.
Introduce storage solutions like labelled bins for wicks, jars, and fragrances to keep supplies organised and accessible.
This simple habit prevents build-up, saving you from bigger clean-ups later.
L – Listen to Music for Relaxation
Evidence-backed approach: A study from The British Journal of Psychology found that music can significantly enhance mood and productivity. Instrumental or ambient music works particularly well for tasks requiring focus, while upbeat tunes can improve energy during repetitive tasks (Lesiuk, 2005).
How to apply it:
Create or use a pre-made playlist suited to your tasks. For example:
For focus: Instrumental or classical music.
For energy: Upbeat, rhythmic tracks.
Experiment with what works best for you, and let music set the tone for your workspace.
E – End Your Day with Reflection
Evidence-backed approach: Reflecting on achievements fosters a sense of accomplishment and reduces burnout. A Harvard Business Review study found that employees who reflect on their work feel more fulfilled and productive (Di Stefano et al., 2014).
How to apply it:
Spend 5 minutes reviewing your day’s accomplishments. Did you hit your production goals? Deliver exceptional customer service?
Note one thing you could improve for tomorrow. This habit not only builds confidence but also encourages continuous growth.
Practical Solutions for Peak Performance
The CANDLE Calm Methodology is built on practical, evidence-based strategies to help you stay organised, reduce stress, and maximise your productivity. By incorporating these steps into your routine, you can tackle the busiest seasons with clarity and focus.
Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your workflow and mindset transform. Share your experiences with the Candle Shack community—we’d love to hear how this methodology works for you!
References
- Cirillo, F. (2006). The Pomodoro Technique.
- Di Stefano, G., Gino, F., Pisano, G. P., & Staats, B. R. (2014). Learning by Thinking: Overcoming the Bias for Action Through Reflection. Harvard Business Review.
- Fathallah, F. A., Miller, B. J., & Miles, J. A. (2015). The Impact of Short Breaks on Work Efficiency. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
- Lesiuk, T. (2005). The effect of music listening on work performance. The British Journal of Psychology.
- Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a Practically Useful Theory of Goal Setting and Task Motivation. Journal of Applied Psychology.
- McMains, S., & Kastner, S. (2011). Interactions of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms in human visual cortex. Journal of Neuroscience.
- Schwartz, T. (2016). Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time. American Psychological Association.