Even though the light starts to return in January, it is still dark when you get up at seven and dark already by four in the afternoon. No wonder it can feel as if life feels sluggish and the longing for the energizing light is strong. Many people experience something called SAD seasonal affective disorder during this period. a feeling of sadness that occurs when the days become shorter and disappears when the sun's rays return. The causes of SAD are several, including:

• Serotonin is a substance produced in the brain that makes us feel happy. Its production increases when we are exposed to sunlight and decreases when we are not.
• Melatonin is a hormone that affects sleep – darkness causes us to have an excess which can make us feel depressed and lethargic.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but some common ones include: decreased energy, depressed mood, decreased appetite, feeling of hopelessness, sleeping too much or too little, and having difficulty concentrating and/or anxiety.

Luckily, there is help available! In addition to regular walks in daylight, exercise, good food and vitamin D, research has shown that aromatherapy essential oils have a beneficial effect. A complementary method that is cheap, enjoyable and easy to use at home.

Some suggestions for suitable essential oils:

Citrus: All citrus oils are great for lifting your mood and clearing up brain fog. Thanks to the limonene content, they also boost your immune system. Some favorites include lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, lime, and mandarin.

Conifers : essential oils of spruce, pine and cedar give a clean, earthy and fresh scent – ​​they smell like the forest! They feel energizing and uplifting and strengthen the immune system.

Ylang ylang: has an exotic sweet scent that brings to mind more tropical warm regions. Ylang-ylang has a calming effect on the nervous system and is good when you feel stressed or anxious. Nice to combine with, for example, orange.

So how do you use essential oils?

Make a scent blend that you keep in a small bottle in your purse so you can smell it when needed:

Uplifting fragrance blend:

Mix the following essential oils in a small bottle:

7 drops bergamot

5 drops lavender

3 drops fir

If necessary, dip a cotton swab into the mixture and inhale the beneficial scent.

Fragrance oil:

Mix the following essential oils with 50 ml of almond oil or jojoba oil

10 drops orange

4 drops ylang ylang

3 drops cedarwood

If needed – dab a little oil on your wrists, neck or feet. Or pour some into the bathtub.

Aroma lamp

If you have an aroma lamp, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil and your surroundings will be filled with pleasant scents!

Essential oils are available for purchase online and in well-stocked health food stores.

IF you have the time and money, treat yourself to a nice aroma massage with organic massage oil every now and then. I promise it's money well invested!

Stay wild Lisen