The winter blues are a common phenomenon that many people experience during the colder months of the year. Your mood can be impacted by a number of factors, including lack of sunlight and shorter days. Here are some natural ways to overcome the winter blues.
When the weather outside is frightful…and your mood is far from delightful. If you don’t know what to do…here are 5 tips to beat the Winter Blues!
What are the “Winter Blues”?
It’s that melancholy feeling brought on by gray skies and freezing breezes.
It’s wanting to curl up under a blanket with a bowl full of mac n’ cheese.
Many people experience a dip in mood during the winter months. However, for some, it’s MORE than just feeling a little “blue”. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this form of depression is heavily influenced by the seasons and weather. Symptoms include:
- Feeling low and sad
- Lethargy
- Having trouble sleeping
- Apathy
- Mood swings
- Food cravings (especially for sugary and carb-y dishes)
Don’t let the winter blues get you down this year! Check out these natural ways to keep the blues at bay!
5 Natural Winter Blues Remedies
Winter is a great time to put your health first. The winter blues are something that many people experience, but there are plenty of ways to combat them. With the colder months ahead, now's the perfect time to make changes in your life and take care of yourself!
Here are some natural remedies for getting through these cold months:
1. Be Well Fed
It’s the season of comfort food and gut-hugging dishes… however, regularly chowing down will only weigh you down and leave you feeling tired and sluggish. Make sure to keep yourself well fed by keeping your cabinets and fridge full of healthy and energizing snacks, such as:
- Nuts & seeds
- Fresh seasonal fruit
- Nourishing soups & broths
- Herbal teas
2. Excite Yourself With Essential Oils
Give your mind, body, and spirit a boost of joy by using the natural aroma of essential oils. From helping you feel balanced to ease you into a good night’s sleep, essential oils are great for your overall well being.
We recommend trying one of our 8 Mood Enhancing Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends.
3. Catch Your Zzz’s
Cold temperatures and cloudy skies can certainly make it hard to peel yourself from your warm and cozy bed. However, to keep your sleep cycles regulated it is important that you keep a normal sleep routine.
To feel rested and get a good night’s sleep, make sure you go to sleep before 11 pm so that you can see daylight as much as possible. You will definitely get sweet sleep by using a homemade Lavender Pillow Spray.
4. Catch Some Rays
Rise, shine, and wake up your feel-good hormones by soaking up the sun! For those gloomy and dark winter days try Light Therapy, which involves using a lightbox to artificially simulate sunshine. Not only will it help regulate your body’s circadian rhythms, but it also will give your mood a cheery boost!
5. Shake It Off
Give both your brain AND your body a boost by moving your body daily. Whether you head to the gym, do an exercise program at home, or simply put on your favorite tunes and dance… 30 minutes of movement stimulates the release of endorphins, which will leave you feeling happy and energized. Read our post on Walking for Fitness.
Best Essential Oils for Winter Blues
It's normal to feel gloomy as you head into winter. However, winter doesn’t have to ruin your mental and emotional health. These natural tips will help you beat the winter blues.
SAD symptoms can be severe for a person or loved one. We recommend you first seek the help of a qualified medical professional. Essential oils can be used to relieve SAD symptoms, but they are not intended to replace professional treatment.
Basil Essential Oil
Also known as sweet basil, this essential oil has a spicy, herbal, and licorice-like smell. Basil is known to reduce fatigue, improve concentration, increase mental clarity, and clear the mind. You can either diffuse basil on its own or with peppermint.
Read More > Basil Oil Spotlight
Lime Essential Oil
This essential oil has a bright, citrusy scent that can energize your body and mind and lift your mood. One study indicated that lemon essential oil has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.
Lime essential oil can be diffused in winter to brighten your home and to increase your mood. It can also be used topically to reduce brain fog, boost your spirits, and to improve your mood.
Rose Essential Oil or Absolute
Rose is often called the "queen" of essential oils. It has a sweet, floral scent. Rose oil promotes harmony between the mind and body.
It brings comfort and dispels grief and loneliness. Diffuse rose essential oil to lift your spirits and restore emotional balance.
Read More: Rose Absolute Oil
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage oil has been used medicinally for hundreds and years to reduce anxiety and stress and balance hormone levels. A 2010 study found that clary sage essential oil has an anti-stress property. It can be applied topically or diluted in a bath to increase relaxation, calm the mind and lift your mood.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Powerful eucalyptus oil creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria and microbes. It can promote positive emotions and relieves feelings of sadness and grief. Let it help you clear your mind and give you a mental boost.
Eucalyptus has a strong medicinal aroma that revitalizes the senses, helps stop sniffles, and clears up congestion. Diffuse it to leave you home with a clean scent and fresh perspective.
Winter Blues Essential Oil Recipe
Try this powerful chest rub to increase alertness and uplift mood. You will breathe deeper and feel refreshed.
Uplifting Eucalyptus Rub
All will be merry and bright again when you massage a few drops of this essential oil blend onto your chest.
What You Need:
- 6 drops Distilled Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)
- 6 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
- 1 oz jojoba oil
- 1 oz dropper bottle
Directions: Add essential oils to the dropper bottle and fill the rest of the bottle with jojoba oil (or carrier oil of choice).
To use: Apply several drops to the chest and rub in. For additional information about the benefits of this rub, CLICK HERE.
Be HAPPY. Be BRIGHT. Be YOU.
Wishing you peace and joy throughout the winter season!
Need Essential Oils?
We are frequently asked what essential oil brand we like, here are some of our favorites:
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- Health Benefits of Meditation
- Ways Yoga Can Affect Your Life Positively
Author Bio: Lindsay Sibson |
World Traveler. Writer. Lifestyle Design Enthusiast. Minimalist. Adventurer. |