Wintertime blues

Winter is not the easiest season. We naturally feel like hibernating, going inward, and slowing down, but for some our feelings can leave us so unmotivated and depressed that getting out of bed is a struggle. The holidays, lack of sunlight and shorter days, bundling up against the cold, staying inside more, and the abundance of cold and flu, are just some of the reasons that people feel sadder in the winter. If you are feeling generally unmotivated, stuck, sad, or gloomy there are herbs to help uplift you*. Though chamomile and other sleep herbs may spring to mind first, there are herbs that help calm the nervous system but don't overly sedate you, so you can function and complete the tasks you need to without fighting to stay awake.

Herbs for the nervous system

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) eases nervousness, sadness, and depression. Safe for children, this pleasant tasting herb is useful for mild anxiety, mental decline, restlessness, and it helps with digestion. 

Silk Tree Bark (or Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)) is helpful for lifting feelings of grief, sadness, anxiety, and emotional tension. Do not use while pregnant.

Linden (Tilia spp.) is calming to the central nervous system and can be helpful in adults and children who are overstimulated, under high amounts of stress, or are overworked. Linden may help those who have hypertension due to stress. 

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) nourishes the nervous system, adrenals, and immune system. Eases anxiety and may help with PTSD.

Keep an eye out for these herbs in our newest teas and tinctures coming out soon! Can't wait? Try our Peace and Calming tincture or Stress Less tea blend.

Other Ways to Help Get Out of a Wintertime Funk

Sipping on a hot cup of tea while under a cozy blanket may be enough to lift your mood, but if you need a little more help to get out of a rut, consider the thoughts below: 

Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to beat stress and sadness. You don't have to go crazy and devote hours of time each day either. A brisk walk, doing squats while listening to a podcast, riding a stationary bike while watching a show, taking a hot yoga class, anything really to get up and moving. Remember: a body in motion stays in motion.

It's natural to crave warm, comforting foods in cold weather, but maybe skip the fast food for some homemade stew with lots of root vegetables. If you feel like indulging, try making your own cinnamon rolls (it's easier than you think), keep a couple for your family and share the rest, bringing a little bit of love and joy to others will make you feel better too!

Slowing down and going inward are not bad things. We need a season to rest and reflect. Creating to-do lists, journalling, spring cleaning, and planning for the years gardens, trips, etc., are all ways to uplift your spirit but at the same time honor the parts of you that need and crave this winter season.

*If you are experiencing severe depression or suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor or seek professional assistance immediately.