Aromatherapy for winter blues

Natural support with aromatherapy for improved wellbeing during winter blues 

The dark season not only brings cool temperatures, but can also affect our mood. Less sunlight, less exercise, and gray days can make us feel listless and depressed: known in English as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) – in Germany as the winter blues. Aromatherapy can help alleviate the winter blues and provide more energy and well-being, supporting both body and mind.

Tamara Schmid has compiled her best tips for combating the winter blues:

The colloquial term “winter blues” refers to the dip in mood that occurs during the winter months. This is because in winter we lack a significant amount of sunlight and exercise. Some people find this change difficult to cope with. Drive and motivation decline, and a depressive mood creeps in. However, with a few tricks, we can still counteract the winter blues.

Brightening and invigorating fragrances

Essential oils have a stabilizing effect on our entire system and help to improve our mood. Brightening essential oils lift our spirits and give us energy. Helpful oils include lemon, grapefruit, sweet orange, lime, bergamot, and mandarin.

They can also be combined with fresh, opening essential oils such as lemon myrtle, cardamom, eucalyptus globulus, or cajeput. Used as a room fragrance in the morning or in a scent stick before an important task, they can boost motivation.

Warming and comforting scents

Warming and comforting essential oils can also be helpful during these phases. They give us a feeling of gentle embrace and well-being, such as benzoin, vanilla, jasmine, orange blossom (neroli), rose, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood. These oils can be used in a roll-on, a foot bath, or simply for gentle room fragrance. Do something good for yourself! Follow the basic rules for dilution in the dosage table.

Vitamin D and social contacts

In consultation with your doctor, it may also be helpful to start taking vitamin D in the fall. A balanced diet, meeting friends, pursuing hobbies, and regular exercise help us stay active and stabilize our mood.

Tamara Schmid, registered nurse, psychiatry

Certified aromatherapist, resilience & wellbeing consultant in training