If you live in a colder climate, chances are you have had a run in with the winter blues. These are the days that your alarm clock buzzes on a frosty winter morning, and you hit snooze, wishing for just a little more time under the covers. Your energy level dips and you sigh at the thought of grey skies, heavy coats, and mundane routines, leaving you feeling run-down, uninspired and waiting for Spring.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The winter season has a way of draining our motivation, especially for people juggling careers, families, and personal commitments. However, there are a few things that we can do to lift our spirits and our energy up!
This blog is all about how to beat the winter blues.
You may feel like you are in a slump on and off during the winter months. Some people may experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that impacts mood and energy levels when seasons change. If you suspect SAD, professional guidance may make a difference for you.
When you feel tired, bored, or stuck during the colder months, small shifts in your daily habits can be uplifting. Self-care is the secret weapon to reclaiming energy and enthusiasm during winter, and you can do this by embracing aromatherapy, decluttering your space, or carving out time for joyful moments.
This guide is packed with ideas to brighten your days, and lift your spirits. Let’s transform winter from a season of “blah” into a season of balance and content.
Why Winter Feels Hard
After the warm lights of the holidays and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we are left with shorter days, colder weather, and a slower pace that can feel anything but restful. Lack of sunlight plays a big role, as it affects your body’s production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, and melatonin, which regulates sleep. Together, these shifts can leave you feeling tired, moody, and less motivated.
When you are busy, winter adds extra challenges. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of going through the motions without truly enjoying the day.
But winter doesn’t have to be a time of fatigue or monotony. By understanding seasonal challenges, you can start to outsmart them. Intentional self-care, such as walking outside during daylight hours or embracing soothing rituals like aromatherapy, can counteract those sluggish feelings.
So instead of dreading the season, let’s explore how to work with it. With the right mindset and a few intentional changes, you can turn winter into a time of restoration, creativity, and even joy.
How to Use Essential Oils for Winter Blues
Aromatherapy is a beautiful and versatile way to uplift your mood, restore energy, and bring comfort during the winter blues. Essential oils can be used in many creative ways to fit seamlessly into your daily life. Here are some simple and effective methods to enjoy their benefits.
Roller Blends
Mix your favorite essential oils with a carrier oil in a roller bottle for on-the-go relief. Apply to pulse points like wrists, behind the ears, or the back of your neck for a quick pick-me-up.
Diffusion
Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser to fill your home with an uplifting or calming aroma. Diffusing in the morning can help energize your day, while cozy blends can make evenings feel warm and serene.
Personal Inhalers
Create a portable mood booster by adding sea salt to a small amber glass bottle and dripping in 5-10 drops of essential oil. Keep it in your bag or desk, and inhale deeply whenever you need a reset.
Aromatic Jewelry
Lava bead bracelets and felt necklaces are excellent tools for carrying your favorite scents with you. Add a drop or two of essential oil, and the jewelry will diffuse the aroma throughout the day.
Steam Therapy
For an invigorating experience, place a few drops of essential oil in a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 3-5 minutes. This is especially helpful for clearing the mind and refreshing the senses.
Bath Salts and Shower Steamers
Infuse Epsom or sea salts with essential oils for a relaxing bath, or use a shower steamer with energizing oils to start your day feeling refreshed.
Essential Oils for Winter Blues
Uplifting Oils
The bright aromas of citrus oils can lighten your mood and bring a sense of joy on darker days. Try using bergamot, sweet orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, yuzu or tangerine.
Citrus diffuser blend:
- 3 drops Lemon
- 2 drops Sweet Orange
- 1 drop Peppermint
Cozy Oils
These rich, earthy scents help create a warm and inviting atmosphere when you need comfort. Try using frankincense, vetiver or patchouli to help create a warm feeling space.
Cozy Roller Bottle:
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 3 drops Bergamot
- 1 drop Vetiver
- Fill 10ml glass roller bottle with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil and add essential oils. Use on pulse points as needed.
Energizing Oils
Peppermint and herbaceous oils are perfect for combating sluggishness and increasing energy. When you need to get your head in the game, go to peppermint, rosemary, sweet marjoram and eucalyptus.
Steam Therapy Blend:
- 1 drop Rosemary
Place one drop of oil into steaming water that is in a heat proof bowl. Being careful to not burn yourself, place your head above the bowl of water and cover yourself with a towel. Inhale the scented steam a couple of times and then remove yourself from it.
Oils for Rest and Relaxation
Recharge your batteries on winter evenings. This is the perfect time to unwind with calming aromas. Use the scents that you love at night, including lavender, cedarwood and chamomile.
Calm Evening Diffuser Blend:
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 1 drop Chamomile
By using these simple methods and purpose-driven essential oil blends, you can transform your winter days into moments of joy, comfort, and renewal. Aromatherapy isn’t just about scents, it’s a form of self-care that can help you enjoy winter days with more energy and positivity.
Additional Winter Self-Care Tips
Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. When winter blues creep in, simple self-care strategies can brighten your day, lift your mood, and help you feel more in control of your energy and emotions. Here are some easy but impactful ways to take care of yourself this winter.
1. Declutter Your Space
Visual clutter can weigh on your mind and add unnecessary stress to your day. Take a few minutes to tidy up high-traffic areas like your kitchen counter, nightstand, or workspace. Use decorative storage boxes for items like mail, remote controls, and charging cords to keep everything organized and out of sight. A clean, cozy environment helps create a calm mindset and makes your home feel like a sanctuary.
2. Make Mornings Meaningful
Start your day with intention by giving yourself more time in the morning. Instead of rushing, savor the quiet moments. Use a shower steamer with energizing essential oils like peppermint or rosemary to invigorate your senses and set a positive tone for the day. Pair this with a warm drink, and a few minutes of a peaceful activity that brings you joy, such as journaling or practicing gratitude.
3. Take Breaks During the Day
It’s easy to get lost in the demands of work or home life, but scheduling small breaks can do wonders for managing the winter blues. Step outside for a brisk walk during daylight hours to soak up some natural light and boost your mood. Even 10 minutes can leave you feeling refreshed and more focused. Look at the weather in advance and go outside when the sun is out if you can.
4. Connect with Joyful People
Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and lift your spirits. Whether it’s a quick phone call with a close friend or a coffee date with a coworker, these moments of connection can help you feel more supported and less isolated during the colder months.
5. Create an Evening Routine You Love
Wind down your day with comforting rituals that signal it’s time to relax. Dim the lights, light a candle, and enjoy a calming activity like reading or journaling. Take a bath with scented salts featuring cozy essential oils like frankincense and vetiver, or sip on your favorite herbal tea. Stepping away from the news or social media during this time can also help ease your mind. Putting your phone down 30 minutes before bed may help to provide a more restful sleep.
6. Plan Joyful Meals
Cooking at home can be a rewarding way to nourish your body and lift your spirits. Plan a delicious dinner that excites you. Try new recipes or incorporate seasonal ingredients. The process of creating something special for yourself or your family can feel grounding and give you a sense of accomplishment.
7. Enjoy Your Music
Put the music back on! There are so many ways to get music these days. If you notice a song that you like on the radio or in a movie, write it down and add it to a playlist. Download an app, an album by your favourite artist or even a compilation. Music is a great way to combat winter blues!
The winter blues don’t have to define your season. By adding these simple self-care habits into your routine, you’ll create more joy, calm, and energy when you need it, even on the coldest, darkest days. Small acts of care can have a big impact, turning winter into a season of restoration and balance.
Remember, even small steps toward caring for yourself can lead to big shifts in how you feel. Embrace the season as an opportunity to prioritize your well-being. You deserve it!
Leave a Reply