New Year, All the Feels

As the New Year approaches, we hear so much about resolutions; the things we want to improve in the new year, a fresh start. But, something else I consistently hear, especially living in the dreary Midwest, is Seasonal Affective Disorder or what we like to call Winter Blues.

If this is you, you are not alone! With back-to-back days of grey skies with no sign of sun and cold weather not permitting us to leave the house, it's no wonder a good portion of the population experiences these symptoms a few months out of the year.

But, there ARE solutions to this seemingly exhausting and dreadful problem. Studies show, exercise and light therapy can all make a difference in improving overall mood, overtime. 

Ready for an even quicker science-backed solution? Essential Oils.

One study1 showed that it takes just milliseconds for smells to reach the brain. Our sense of smell is the most powerful of all our senses - having 1,000 smell sensory receptors while only 4 light and 4 touch sensory receptors.

In addition, our sense of smell passes through our olfactory bulb directly connected to the hippocampus (memory storage) and the amygdala (emotional center) bypassing the Thalamus for processing/interpretation as our other senses must do.

Therefore, we can determine our sense of smell directly impacts psychological states and can influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

A 2020 study2, “Effects of essential oils on central nervous system: Focus on mental health” discusses the multiple benefits essential have on the mental health of humans, including antidepressant effects, improvement of mental focus and mental clarity, and elevation of moods.

With this in mind, here are a few of my favorite “go to” oils to help manage those Winter Blues.

Lavender

Valor

Peace & Calming

Stress Away

Bergamot / Orange 

Frankincense

Just one, or if you like variety, they all can help turning those Winter Blues around. 

On Tuesday, January 10 @ 7 pm, I’ll be conducting my monthly Drops of Health event at Indiana Wesleyan. This is sincerely a no-pressure casual event where you can learn more about the mood elevating essential oils, you can hands-on experience Young Living’s Feeling Kit, and learn more about WHY these essential oils can help you manage your well-being.  You can register for the event here: Drops of Health Monthly Event.

Or if you’re ready to jump start feeling good again?! Grab your oils below 

 That Oily Chic. Carly

1 “Effects of odor on emotion, with implications”, Mikiko Kadohisa, et. al.

2  “Effects of essential oils on central nervous system: Focus on mental health”, Lorena R. Lizaraga-Valderrama