Your head may already be throbbing from the sheer weight of the year’s bad news. Although thank you America for not going full despot. That's a start. 

With winter setting in, many will turn to the devil’s sauce for relief. (And honestly, we're not blaming you. In fact, head this way for an article on our favourite whiskies.) 

But there are alternatives to soothe life's cares in these most troubling of times. No, we're not talking drugs. Well, not all drugs. Not the kind of drugs you're thinking of. And possibly doing right now. 

Here are a few of good cures. Pick your poison. Rack 'em up. 

WholyMe Relief Balm

The pandemic has seen a flourishing industry in exercise and an equally flourishing industry in pain. But there is help to get over the aches from your newly-discovered running or cycling habit.

WholyMe smells beautiful and contains all-natural ingredients including Arnica Oil, Hemp Seed and Wintergreen Essential Oil to relieve pain of joints and fatigued muscles. Rub some on you won’t regret it.

For more information, see wholyme.com

Nue Functional Fragrance

Nue,Functional Fragrance

Smell is surely the most underrated of senses. Nue seeks to bring out the best from the nose with its functional fragrance which is aimed to calm the senses and combat stress. It contains a combination of scents from Green cardamom, Iris, Palo Santo + Cilantro. Spray onto wrists and neck and allow yourself to reset and re-centre.

For more information, see thenueco.com

Form Nutrition ZZZZ

Form Nutrition ZZZZ

Nootropics is a word cropping up with increasing regularity in health circles. Form Nutrition’s ZZZZs are designed to promote sleep naturally. Each pill contains a combination of 5-HTP from Griffonia seeds which works to help your mood, magnesium, amino acids and zinc.

Added to these is BioPerine – an extract from black pepper –which helps the body to absorb it all. It’s an alternative means to catch forty winks over the traditional cup of cocoa.

For more information, see formnutrition.com

Four Sigmatic instant coffee powder

Four Sigmatic coffee powder

Four Sigmatic has been hot in the US for a few years since its founders looked for ways to popularise the health benefits of mushrooms. Its mushroom coffee is blended with Chaga and Lion’s Mane, the former containing antioxidants to help support the immune function while Lion’s Mane works to boost mental cognition.

Containing half the caffeine of normal coffee it will give you a nice morning pump without the side-effects. 

For more information, see international.foursigmatic.com

Anatome Essential Daily Probiotic + Gut Support

Anatome Essential Daily Probiotic + Gut Support

The gut needs attention, too. Anatome’s daily probiotic contains seven live strains of bacteria to strengthen digestion and support gut health.

You may be thankful for its help with the immune system when it comes to fighting viruses and bacterial infections during the colder months. 

For more information, see anatome.co