During the winter months our mood can often dip and fluctuate. Darker nights and unpleasant weather, coupled with the pressures of the festive season, can all contribute to feelings of anxiety, sadness, stress and depression. Around 1 in 3 people in the UK also suffer from SAD, short for Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is thought to be triggered by an imbalance of ‘happy hormones’ in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin caused by seasonal changes such as low light levels during the day and less time spent outdoors.
When I first discovered essential oils a number of years ago, I was simply blown away by what I experienced. Within minutes I was able to calm anxious thoughts, lift a low mood and relieve stress. Through the simplicity of scent alone, it is possible to support body and mind through the winter no matter what it throws at us. Of course, although using essential oils is easy and open to anyone, the science behind them is more sophisticated. Complex chemical interactions within the brain that actively work with the body at a cellular level, harmoniously supporting the natural processes that keep us safe and well.
Essential oils can be used in a number of ways – including sprays and mists worn on the person or diffusers and oil burners in the home. Here I’m sharing some of my favourite aromatherapy recipes to help combat winter blues, which are simple and easy to make and enjoyable to use! You can introduce these essential oil blends into your day-to-day routine however you like to help bring balance to your physical and emotional health during the colder months.
Before you begin
This is something I mention in more detail in my blogs about healing with essential oils – but it’s always important to stress that the quality of your essential oils needs to be pure. This is in order to ensure you are benefiting from them fully, and also to prevent the oils from causing harm. Some blends are made with fragrance rather than pure essential oils.
Aromatherapy Recipes for Winter Blues
Good Morning Blend
The way we start our morning sets us up for the remainder of the day – and the scents we are exposed to are no exception. Using essential oils in the morning can help to set the tone for the day ahead and lift and elevate mood. This beautifully balancing blend includes relaxing Lavender and uplifting Grapefruit for a gentle energy boost.
To make: Mix 2 drops each of Rosemary, Lavender and Grapefruit essential oils.
Zest For Life Blend
Fruity and fun, this joyful blend is great in a diffuser to create a light and bright atmosphere in your home. It’s packed with zesty, juicy essential oils which help to elevate your mood and act as a pick-me-up at any time of the day.
To make: Mix 2 drops Lime essential oil with 1 drop each of Lemongrass, Mandarin and Sweet Orange.
Uplift & Refresh Blend
Ideal for an energy boost or mood-lift on the go, this gorgeous sweet-and-spicy blend is really rejuvenating and invigorating.
To make: Mix 2 drops of Bergamot and Grapefruit essential oils with 1 drop each Orange and Frankincense.
Lighten Up Blend
Perfect when you need a little pick-me-up on those down days when you’re low on energy, or feel like you need an injection of positivity. Create an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace with this restorative and mood-brightening blend.
To make: Mix 2 drops of Lemon and Bergamot essential oils with 1 drop Geranium, Peppermint and Petitgrain.
The Protective Blend
Nothing makes us feel worse during winter than picking up one of the many cold and flu viruses doing the rounds – so this Protective Blend indirectly supports our emotional health during winter through preserving physical health and keeping bugs at bay. It features essential oils that are renowned for their naturally anti-viral, anti-bacterial and purifying properties.
To make: Mix two drops of Neroli and Tea Tree with one drop each of Eucalyptus and Thyme essential oils.
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