There’s nothing we Brits love to moan about more than the weather. That said, in winter, gloomy skies can certainly take a toll on your mood. At Tisserand Aromatherapy, we’re here to help you thrive through cold and dark days. From soothing scents to warming meals, we’ve got 5 tips for staying well in winter. Paired with our Happy Vibes Blend, you’ll be well-equipped to beat the January Blues.
Why do we get January blues?
Let’s begin by saying that the January Blues is a very real thing.If the weather is making you feel low, your feelings are completely valid. It’s the time of the year when Seasonal Affective Disorder – SAD – sets in, due to reduced sunlight and shorter days.
There’s also the fed-up feeling of returning to work and regular life after the holidays, as well as post-holiday financial struggles and pressures to set new-year goals. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help make January more enjoyable.
Note: Before we share our top 5 tips, make sure to reach out to a friend, family member, or a medical practitioner if you’re struggling to cope.
5 ways to beat January blues
- Spirit-lifting scents
When the weather is getting you down, energizing scents can keep your spirits up. Our Happy Vibes Blend, for example, includes the uplifting essential oils of Lemon Tea Tree, Bergamot, and Nutmeg. Spritz the MoodFix Mist around your workspace to help you spring back into action.
- Good Mood Food
Okay, so you over-indulged at Christmas. Don’t worry. We all did. That doesn’t have to mean the deliciousness is over – now is the time to nourish yourself with healthy and filling winter foods. Complex carbohydrates are an important source of energy and will help combat slow and sluggish feelings. Start your day with a bowl of porridge, or try these vegetable soup recipes with wholegrain bread.
- Bright and light
Sunlight increases the brain’s release of serotonin, our main mood-boosting hormone, whereas darkness triggers the release of our main sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin. It follows that lack of daylight can make you ready to crawl back into bed.
Try to get outside when it’s light to get your sunlight fix. Additionally, you might want to use SAD lightboxes way to simulate sunlight.
- Write it out
Let’s make it a self-care season. Snuggle up with a journal, put some drops of Happy Vibes Essential Oil Blend in your Aroma Spa, and write out your worries. You may wish to reflect on the year using the prompts from this post.
- Move it move it!
We love good food and snuggling up, but we hate to tell you you’ll need to get off the coach at some point too. Seriously, it’s the best way to boost serotonin!
Wrap up warm and go for a crisp walk – let the cold air on your face freshen you up. If the weather is too bad to leave your front room, blast some music and dance like nobody’s watching. Studies even show that dancing releases feel-good hormones.
Bring on the Happy Vibes!
