We take a look at the best products to improve your mood in the colder British winter months.
Seasonal affective disorder – also known as SAD – is a form of low mood or depression that occurs in seasonal cycles and usually begins at the onset of autumn and stays throughout the winter. If you’re struggling with SAD, it might be worth speaking to a GP about treatment options. However, there are ways to help combat feelings associated with SAD that can be incorporated into your everyday life to keep the winter blues at bay…
Bodyclock Luxe 750DAB | Lumie | £229
Instead of being rudely awoken from sleep by an aggressive alarm, the Lumie Bodyclock lights are like a personal sunrise that will gradually brighten your room so that you feel naturally wide awake and more energised for the day ahead. At bedtime a fading sunset will create an environment where sleep comes easily, leaving you rested for the next day. The light produced by the lamp will replicate the sunlight that’s missing during the winter months and is thought to encourage your brain to increase the production of serotonin as well as reduce the production of melatonin.
Vitamin D supplements | Holland & Barrett | from £2.99
A recent study found a link between SAD and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is synthesised by the body when sunlight hits your skin, which is why so many people are thought to have a deficiency in the vitamin during the winter months. The NHS recommends taking a 10-microgram vitamin D supplement every day between October and March to ensure you’re getting enough. These supplements from Holland & Barrett also contribute towards the maintenance of normal bones, muscle function, and the immune system.
Air-purifying bundle | The Little Botanical | £55
Bringing a little bit of the outside, inside by having potted plants around your home will not only look good but looking after plants can help to lift a low mood. This bundle from The Little Botanical that will purify the air around you includes a Sansevieria Punk, Ficus Benjamina, and Sansevieria that require minimal effort to keep them alive, even in winter. Not only will the plants improve air quality, but they can also reduce noise pollution, stress, and improve both physical and mental wellbeing. This is linked to the natural desire of humans to connect with the natural world, a phenomenon called biophilia.
The mood boosting routine | NEOM | £123
Self-care is one of the best things you can do when experiencing feelings associated with SAD. This set from NEOM is formulated with natural fragrance that not only smells great but can also have an uplifting effect on the mind and body. The fragrance is a complex blend of the purest possible essential oils including wild mint and mandarin, purposefully blended to help lift your mood and brighten your day. Included in this set is a candle, reed diffuser, hand and body wash, hand and body lotion, and hand balm to life your spirits.
Luxury scented oils | NUHR | £20
Studies have shown that essential oils could reduce symptoms of depression and other psychological issues such as anxiety and sleep problems. These oils from NUHR come in four different scent profiles that will help to improve wellbeing, mood, sleep, and peace so there’ll be something for whatever issue you’re wanting to tackle. They’re designed for use in oil burner or electric diffuser and can be used by simply dropping few drops of oil into your device with water and allowing the fragrance to disburse in your room.
