It’s November and we’re almost at the cross over between Autumn and Winter. The days are short and skies dull and grey – so it’s no wonder many of us feel a little low. If you, like many, feel bogged down by the change in seasons you may be suffering from the winter blues, or SAD – otherwise known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you’re finding yourself feeling lethargic, unfocused, moody, or a little low, why not use aromatherapy to lift your mood?
It’s common to experience lethargy and low mood during this time of the year, and it could be due to many reasons. You’ve overspent on Christmas presents, you’re trying to get all your work in before the holidays, or perhaps the kids are driving your mad with their endless requests. Whatever the reasoning, feeling sad in winter can often trigger a knock on effect, leaving you with many undesirable symptoms. These include:
- Difficulty eating or increased food cravings
- Weight gain
- Disrupted sleep
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of mental focus
Use aromatherapy to feel bright and beautiful this winter
While it can be hard to shake off our moods, there’s no reason why you can’t beat the winter blues. Due to their relaxing and anti-depressant qualities there are a number of scents and aromas that you can turn to in times of low mood, that will help bring calm to the situation and make you feel better about life.
Anxiety soother
Bergamot is a powerful anti-depressant and provides an uplifting scent without stimulating your mind and making it overactive. It’s great for treating anxiety and relaxing, as well as regulating the appetite.
Try: Aubergine Scented Candles
Emotional balance
Jasmine is one of the most popular anti-depressant oils and helps to combat lethargy, increase confidence and lift the mood – leaving you feeling emotionally balanced.
Lift your mood
The zesty scent of grapefruit is mentally enlivening and will lift the mood in an instant. It’s also said to help combat lethargy and depression.
Sleep saviour
Ylang Ylang helps to relax the mind and body and act as a mild sedative. It’s especially useful during the busy Christmas period when many of us battle stress and mental fatigue.
Happy mind, body and soul
Experience self-confidence, wellness and inner peace with clary sage, an earthy scent that also has the power to balance hormones.
Try: Verbena & Clary Sage Scented Candles
More tips for lifting your mood…
- Have more fun. Arrange to meet friends for dinner and drinks, watch movies with your loved one, head out to the closest ice rink, and best of all laugh!
- Boost your magnesium levels. Magnesium helps promote deeper sleep, so reach for foods such as nuts, seed and leafy greens. It might be wise to invest in a supplement too.
- Expose yourself to sunlight. As little as 15 minutes of sunlight a day can make a huge difference to your mood. If you can’t get out into the sunlight during the day, switch to daylight bulbs, or consider investing in a SAD lamp, or natural daylight alarm.
