A better mood in winter – thanks to lemons!
Grey, rainy days and a lack of sunlight often contribute to changes in mood. Yet there is a very simple remedy that promises to lift your spirits in no time at all during the winter – and you can find it in any supermarket or chemist’s: lemons.
4 November 2025
A dip in morale in November
Of course, winter – like every season – has plenty of lovely aspects to it. For example, you almost get the feeling that the world is turning a little more slowly. We make ourselves cosy indoors again and feel less pressure to make the most of the day, simply because it gets dark earlier. Yet for many people, this is precisely what affects their mood. They feel grumpy during the winter, get irritated more easily and could generally do with a bit of a mood boost.
We actually need daylight for many of the body’s processes. Among other things, it stimulates the production of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone. As a natural antagonist to the sleep hormone melatonin, it combats tiredness, listlessness and feelings of low spirits. A lack of daylight causes a hormonal imbalance: less serotonin and more melatonin results in the winter blues.
Sunlight helps – lemons too
Especially as the days start to get shorter again, it’s very important to spend plenty of time outdoors. We need to soak up as much sunshine as possible right now. What’s more, citrus scents can also help lift your spirits in winter. This is because the limbic system in our brain – which is responsible for behaviour, emotions, memories and moods – is directly linked to the nose. This explains why smells can trigger memories so quickly.
Of course, what people associate with a particular scent is highly individual. However, when it comes to citrus scents, there is a broad consensus: many people like the smell of lemons, oranges, limes or grapefruit. Lemon scent, in particular, is especially popular in aromatherapy. It promotes concentration, refreshes the mind, invigorates and lifts the mood. But what is the best way to use these natural wonder weapons?
Smell, taste, dream
In 2024, Andrew P. Smith from Cardiff University investigated the effects that lemons have on mood, amongst other things. He was able to demonstrate that the scent of lemons does indeed lead to a better mood. It also leads to better results when solving tasks and processing new information. So lemons are real miracle workers! Anyone wishing to make use of this natural mood booster can, for example, simply cut open a fresh lemon and keep it by their side on their desk.
However, high-quality essential oils are also particularly effective. You can recognise their quality by the label ‘100 per cent pure essential oil’, the botanical name (Citrus limon), production details and a batch number. Whether dripped onto a scented sachet, used in an aroma lamp, as a scented candle or a room spray: the scent of lemon should see us through the winter!
Tip!
For our guests at Hotel Lemongarden, lemons naturally bring to mind an unforgettable holiday on the island of Brač. Simply revisiting these memories from time to time is enough to make us feel happy. Book your stay for next season today – not just for a relaxing holiday by the sea, but also for the memories that will last long after.
