January can often bring along a ‘post-holiday’ slump plus the shorter days and colder weather, make it easy to fall victim to the January blues. However, with the right mindset and tools, you can uplift your mood and energise your spirit. Aromatherapy, combined with simple lifestyle adjustments can work wonders.
Here’s our guide to the top five ways to beat the January blues and start the year on a positive note…
#1 Lift Your Spirits with Essential Oils
Aromatherapy can profoundly impact your mood and well-being. Here are some of our favourite essential oils that are particularly effective in combatting the winter gloom:
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Citrus Oils (such as Orange, Lemon & Grapefruit): Bright and invigorating, these oils are known for their mood-boosting properties. They stimulate the senses, making them perfect for those darker mornings.
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Lavender: Renowned for its calming effects, Lavender helps reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep, which can be disrupted during the darker months.
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Peppermint and Eucalyptus: These oils are excellent for clearing your mind and improving focus, particularly when feeling sluggish.
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Ylang-Ylang: Known for its uplifting properties, Ylang-Ylang can help reduce feelings of sadness and stress.
#2 Connect with Nature
Despite the colder weather, spending time outdoors is one of the most effective ways to lift your mood. Nature provides a sense of calm and perspective, helping you recharge and combat stress.
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Morning Walks: Kickstart your day with a brisk walk. The exposure to daylight, even if it’s cloudy, helps regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your mood.
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Forest Bathing: Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, simply immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a forest.
#3 Fuel Your Body with Nutrient-Rich Foods
The food you eat has a significant impact on your energy levels and mental health. Instead of succumbing to comfort foods loaded with sugar and processed ingredients, opt for a balanced diet that nourishes your body and mind. Try to include the following in your diet:
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Oily Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and combat depression.
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Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and chard are packed with magnesium, a mineral known to reduce stress and improve sleep.
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Citrus Fruits: High in vitamin C, these fruits can enhance your immune system and brighten your mood.
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Dark Chocolate: In moderation, dark chocolate boosts endorphins and contains mood-enhancing compounds like phenylethylamine.
We are enjoying recipes from Nutritionists Emma Bardwell and Emily English - Emma is a particular fave for women's health and Emily's recipes are a joy for all the family.
#4 Get Active
Exercise is one of the best natural antidepressants, as it releases endorphins, reduces stress, and improves sleep. While it may feel challenging to muster up the energy to work out in January, even small steps can make a big difference Make exercise enjoyable by choosing activities you genuinely love. A consistent routine can help you look forward to your workouts instead of dreading them.
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Home Workouts: If the weather isn’t inviting, try yoga, pilates, or a dance workout in the comfort of your home.
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Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of sunny winter days by jogging, cycling or a brisk walk. Exercise in fresh air provides a double dose of benefits. There are often organised runs and walks in your area, check websites such as ParkRun.
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Stretching and Breathing Exercises: Don’t underestimate the power of a gentle stretch session combined with deep breathing.
#5 Create a Serene Space
With more time spent indoors during January, your home environment plays a critical role in your mood. Transform your space into a sanctuary of calm and positivity using aromatherapy and other cosy elements.
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Diffuse Essential Oils: Invest in a high-quality diffuser and let comforting scents permeate your living space.
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Candles and Lighting: Swap harsh lighting for warm-toned lamps or candles. Our candles are infused with natural essential oils for a subtle, mood-enhancing aroma.
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Declutter: A clean and organised space can help clear your mind.
Beating the January blues doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Small, consistent changes can help you feel lighter, brighter, and more optimistic about the year ahead. By integrating aromatherapy, time outdoors, healthy eating, and exercise into your daily routine, you can create a powerful self-care toolkit.
Take it one day at a time, and remember: brighter days are always just around the corner…