Lots of us really suffer with low mood during the winter months. Bringing in these simple additions to your day can have a big impact on your mental wellbeing.

As someone who experiences SAD syndrome I have tried so many things over the years to help uplift my mood and bring motivation and positivity to my days.

It is something that I work on most days in the winter, but these little actions help uplift me without fail......

My 6 Tips To Beat The Winter Blues

 1) FRESH AIR

In the middle of winter, when the days are shorter and the coldness seems to be never ending, the simple act of breathing in fresh air can be a powerful antidote to low mood. 

SAD syndrome or Winter blues, are exacerbated by reduced exposure to sunlight, and have a huge effect on our daily mood and wellbeing.

The colder months often make us want to hibernate indoors, where central heating and limited sunlight add to general tiredness, low mood and lack of enthusiasm (I speak from experience!) - However, even stepping outside for 5 minutes and looking towards the sun (not directly at it of course!) can really revive us and help lift our moods.

Ideally try for 3 x 15-20 minute walks per day. This is where having a dog helps. Offer to take a neighbours dog for a walk, or an elderly relative - or see if they want to come too!

Exposure to natural, outdoor light triggers the release of serotonin, which helps with mood regulation. Plus, the higher oxygen content in fresh air stimulates brain activity and helps promote mental clarity and alertness. 

Being outdoors and in nature, even in winter is the best way to boost your mood and induce feelings of calmness and serenity, as well as naturally uplifting our mood.

So wrap up warm and get out for a walk in the park or your local woodland - to see and hear mother nature and get a natural mood boost.

2) GRATITUDE LIST

Starting and ending your day with a gratitude list is one of the best ways to switch up your mood.

Just the simple act of listing 3 things you are grateful for helps to start your day off on a positive note.

You can write anything, such as:

• I am grateful for the sunshine on this cold day
• I am grateful to have a warm cosy bed
• I am grateful for my loving friends and family

Try it today, and you will start to see a real difference as the days go by.

 3) AROMATHERAPY

 Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of aromatic essential oils to promote and maintain health and vitality.

Essential Oils can have a direct effect on your mood within 7 seconds.

Yes - 7 SECONDS!

If you want a quick cheery mood boost then go for citrus oils.

I call them sunshine oils as all citrus trees need lots of sunshine in order to grow, and they all brighten and uplift the mood.

Bergamot is known to be the fastest acting antidepressant essential oil.

It helps to brighten the mood by a chemical reaction from your Olfactory Bulb (where we process aromas).

HOW CAN I USE THE CITRUS OILS?

You can inhale from the bottle or simply add a couple of drops onto a tissue and breathe in the aromas.

If you have a diffuser then add 4 - 5 drops in. This will scent the house and help to uplift other family members too!

Add more every hour, as citrus oils are Top Notes which mean the aroma (and therapeutic vapours) disappear within 30-60 minutes.

Try inhaling the uplifting scent of Orange Blossom and Sweet Orange in our Neroli Cleansing Oil. Taking 3 deep breaths before massaging into your face will help to calm and uplift.

I sometimes sprinkle a few drops on the door mat and also onto my coat (obviously don't do it on a pale cotton or silk coat!)

NB - if you are using citrus oils in the bath then TAKE CARE!

Even as little as 4 drops of citrus oil in the bath can really irritate your skin. Ideally mix in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, or milk (oat milk is great due to the creaminess and benefits for the skin).

Herbal oils are also great for winter as they are often the medicinal healers and help to restore and revive.

Massaging the Blue Chamomile Soothe oil into your chest at night helps to calm and soothe your mind.

The Peppermint & Eucalyptus clear the airways and naturally make you breathe deeper. The Lavender, Marjoram and Chamomile help to relax and calm the mind. 

I will cover more detail on essential oils in future blogs.

See the next Blog for the other 3 Tips To Beat The Winter Blues

Fi x