So often, January is labelled as ‘depressing’ or negative, with many of us experiencing the ‘January Blues’! It may feel like we’ve had ALL of our fun in December and that there’s absolutely nothing left to look forward to.  It’s something we as a culture tell ourselves repeatedly.  But is it true?  Actually, when you think about it, it’s just a ‘thought,’ that has no real meaning, because – and here’s a radical point I’m passionate about sharing: we create our own lives. 

If we believe that January isn’t going to be fun, that all our enjoyment is over in just a few days, then that’s what we will live out.  However, if we know that we are innately capable of creating more fun, and more excitement in January, then that’s what we will set out to do.  So, just as a reminder – in case you’ve forgotten, like most of us - you’re in charge of this life!  That means that you can choose how your January goes…

We’ve got a sequence of little rituals to really help boost your mood this January!  It involves some reflection, some self-care, perhaps a little planning, and definitely some aromatherapy essential oils to support and motivate you along the way – so, read on and flip your January into being positive and happy, even if you’re already feeling a little bit blue…

Ritual 1: Reflect on Patterns

Firstly, let’s figure out what is making you feel the ‘January Blues’ this year.  Try this exercise!  Grab a journal, light some candles, and pop this essential oil blend into an aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner:

Reflection Blend:  2-3 drops of each of Patchouli, Mandarin and Cedarwood essential oil

Sit on the floor (with some cushions and blankets if you fancy) and make yourself comfy!  When you’re settled, just sit there and start to breathe.  Inhale for 6 and exhale for 8.  Do this for 5 minutes – inhaling the lovely calming and meditative scent of the aromatherapy blend

Next, get your journal or some paper and write!  Write anything.  Write whatever comes to your mind!  Just empty your thoughts onto the page.  Write for 5 minutes (remember to breathe still!) – or longer if you feel!

Now just observe what came up for you.  What thoughts did you process, what patterns came up in your writing?  Were they negative thought, or were they positive?  Whatever came out is ok!  We can work with it.

Because, after all, what came up is all just thought!  If it was positive stuff, great – you’re already seeing the positivity left in January!  If it was negative – that’s ok – that particular moment might have been unhappy, but it’s not your inner truth: it’s just a passing thought in that moment. See, in this very moment, you are safe in your snuggly blanket with candles around you.  In this moment, you are enjoying this exercise and the delicious scent of the essential oils!  That’s not miserable, that’s wonderful self-care.  January is already looking a little more fun, right?

Ritual 2: Self-Care

So, whether you’re feeling happy and positive or still feeling January blues, right now, we are nurturing ourselves – so let’s use a self-care blend next!

Self-Care Blend:  Mix 15ml of Grapeseed oil with 3 drops of Rose and 3 drops of Geranium essential oil

This is a lovely massage oil blend, so take 5 minutes to mindfully rub the aromatherapy oils into your skin, anywhere on your body.  Sit first and ask “body, where do you need nourishing?” and whatever the answer is, spend extra focus rubbing the oil into that particular area.

Journal time again!  Take a fresh page and write a short letter to yourself from your body, and then your mind – and if you really want to go to town on this exercise, you can write one from your soul too!  Maybe you want to reply to your body, mind and soul from you too!  Take your time writing, whatever you like.  Know that in this moment, you are nourishing yourself.  Enjoy!  Make January more relaxing, calm and centred – just with this little exercise!

Ritual 3: Planning

Now it’s time to take back control.  Pop the following blend into a spritz bottle (or your diffuser):

Planning Spritz Blend: Mix 100ml Orange Flower Hydrolat (or water) with up to 30 drops total of essential oil, using your own mix of Lemon, Petitgrain and Rose.

Spritz yourself with the planning blend!  Now, get your journal out and list 5 things you would LOVE to do if you had unlimited resources.  This can be crazy (on mine I had belly dancing, and I’m most definitely not a belly dancer!). Next, write a list of 5 smaller, day to day things that make you HAPPY!

Firstly, pick one thing off the LOVE list that you could do with least effort and PLAN a day to do it.  This January - make a January date with yourself! Put it in your diary.  Next, select two things off the HAPPY list and schedule some time to do those – you can do more if you want!  Perhaps you want to do them now?  If a thought comes up as to why you can’t, remember it is just a thought!  You can do anything, you’re innately capable!

To end, just take a minute to notice and observe how you feel as you end these rituals.  Is it different to when you started?  You can come back to this place whenever you like – just repeat the process whenever you’re feeling stuck this January.  Self-care is so important, and often all you need is to hear yourself.

See how lifted that can make you feel?  You’re in control, remember!  If ever you forget, spritz yourself with your planning spritz…

Happy January!

All the above mentioned aromatherapy oils are available via our online shop - as are our hydrolats which make an excellent base for therapeutic spritzes.

Nicole Barton
Consultant Aromatherapist

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