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The begining of a New Year is often thought of as a time of joy, but for some of us winter brings low spirits. Many experience changes in moods and behaviour, feelings of exhaustion, and most of all depression from the lack of sunlight. As daylight starts to diminish at early hours, millions of people suffer from a mild case of winter depression called the winter blues. This wintertime depression can last for few days or through the whole winter season. In some instances, people can't function normally without seeking medical and psychological help to cope with extreme winter depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you think you experience the winter blues, here are few suggestions to help you through that wintertime misery.
Take some of our advice to help you with those Winter blues.
Bring some colour into your life
Winter brings about colours associated with sadness, blue and grey making your home feel cold, empty, and depressing. To uplift your spirits think about decorating your home in colours reflecting the sun; the warm colours of red, orange, and yellow. These colours evoke the images of fire and heat, enhancing feelings of warmth and happiness. The colours of red overcome depression, encourages activity and escalates body metabolism. Oranges brings joy and heals grief. The yellows stimulates your mind, clears your head from headaches, and reduces depression. There is no need to paint your home. Just add decorative accessories with these colours like candles, tablecloths, pillows, sofa covers, etc? Add other accessories to bring happiness into your home by using curtains, instead of blinds to filter in light and brighten up a room. Place flowers and plants around your home to bring in the fresh smells of spring and summer. By decorating your home, you change the mood of depression towards a positive serenity.
Keep active
Research has shown that a daily one-hour walk, in the middle of the day, could be as helpful as light treatment for coping with the winter blues. A brisk walk will boost your energy levels and strengthen your immune system to fend off winter colds and other illnesses.
Get outside
Go outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible, especially at midday and on bright days. Inside your home, choose pale colours that reflect light from outside, and sit near windows whenever you can.
Keep warm
Being cold makes you more depressed. It’s also been shown that staying warm can reduce psychological distress, including the winter blues, by half. Keep warm with hot drinks and hot food. Wear warm clothes and shoes (a few layers are better than one chunky layer). Aim to keep your home between 18 and 21 centigrade (or 64 and 70 degrees). It's especially important to keep your bedroom and main living room warm. Draw the curtains at night to help keep the warmth in.
Eat healthily
A healthy diet will boost your mood, give you more energy and stop you putting on weight over winter. Balance your craving for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. "Some people tell us that taking extra vitamin D helps," adds Pavlovich. Good food sources of vitamin D are oily fish and eggs
See your friends and family
It’s been shown that socialising is good for your mental health and helps ward off the winter blues. You may feel like staying in on your own and avoiding other people until spring arrives. Make an effort to keep in touch with people you care about and accept any invitations you get to social events, even if you only go for a little while. It will really help lift your spirits.
Essential Oils to help uplift you during the Winter blues
Lemon Essential Oil
Cleanses and refreshes mind and body. Lemon is ideal for use to rid the environment of airborne germs. Known to increase concentration while studying and fatigued. May assist in treatment of gout, varicose veins and swelling associated with arthritis. It has antiseptic properties, hence assists with colds and flu symptoms.
Lavender Essential Oil
Settles, restores and balances mind and body.Lavender is the most versatile of all Mother Nature’s oils. It brings relief to stressful situations for young and old. For tired muscles and useful in creating a peaceful haven for sleep. Relief to symptoms of colds and coughs. Treats symptoms of eczema, mild acne and minor burns.
Other uplifting Essential Oils
Orange - mood-elevating
Peppermint - refreshing, mental stimulant
Rosemary - invigorating
Thyme - refreshing, purifying, herbal, peppery (caution: this oil may produce a burning sensation on the skin)
How to Use Essential Oils in Your Home
1. Place a few drops on the following warm “pulse points” of your home:
light bulbs (be sure to apply when the bulb is cool; the scent will be released as the bulb warms)
radiators
sunny window sills
2. Dilute a few drops of oil water and spray on your bed sheets, upholstery, carpets, etc.
3. Use a few drops of oil in the bath; the scent will linger
4. Anoint candles with essential oils
5. Choose incense scented with essential oils
6. Place a few drops in a Oil burner
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Friday 12th March
If I have freedom in my love, and in my soul am free, angels alone that soar above, enjoy such liberty. |
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