10/27/2021
Sometimes as the season changes to shorter days and less daylight, our mood can start to change as well.
Many of us, especially in northern climates can struggle with seasonal mood issues. Maybe you feel like napping ALL DAY or perhaps you’re craving CARBS (and only carbs 🍞). Perhaps you just don’t feel “like yourself”.
As a firm believer in taking control of our own wellness, I’d like to equip you with five ways you can start supporting your mood this season🌲🍊🙌🏼✨💫
1. STEP INTO THE LIGHT— studies show that the vast majority of those dealing with seasonal mood issues see improvements in their moods simply from increasing their exposure to light. I personally love “sun gazing” year round— sitting out on my deck (bundled up in winter!) and looking up/into the sun. Light therapy from a light box can be super helpful too💡
2. KEEP MOVING
I know it can be the last thing we can feel like doing when dealing with low energy and mood, but research suggests that exercising frequently and consistently (rather than duration or intensity) has the most positive effects! One of my favorite ways to move my body is waking— it’s free and can be done without any equipment🤟🏼
3. KEEP A GOOD SCHEDULE
Erratic sleep schedules can mess with our circadian rhythms, this upsetting our levels of serotonin and melatonin. It’s beneficial to go to bed at roughly the same time each night and to wake about the same time too. Of course, we don’t need to be obsessive over this— just make sure you’re listening to your body’s cues!
4. GET OILY
Therapeutic use of essential oils can help support seasonal mood disturbances tremendously. Oils can greatly enhance one’s overall emotional outlook and mood (this has been the biggest benefit to me since starting to use oils consistently in 2019). Citrus oils, like orange, bergamot, lemon, lime, grapefruit and tangerine can be quite uplifting without being stimulating and prove to be a beautiful way to boost your mood morning, noon and night. I particularly like a blend called Grounding, which has three powerhouse oils (white fir, cedarwood and Ylang Ylang) for supporting seasonal mood issues.
You may use these oils a few ways— inhaling them, diffusing them, applying them topically or through massage and in an aromatherapy
5. JUST ADD D
Many of us are sorely deficient in Vitamin D (“the sunshine vitamin”)— this can have a myriad of consequences, especially when it it’s comes to our mood. Adding a high quality vitamin D3 supplement can be the best move!
What are some ways that work to boost your mood this time of year!?
