Reiki with Esther Nichols - supporting low mood

When I’m Working With Low Mood (And When I’m Experiencing It Myself)

Low mood is something I see often in my Reiki practice—and something I’ve known personally, too. It doesn’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes it’s a quiet heaviness, a sense of being “off,” or a feeling of moving through life with less colour than usual.

If you’re feeling this way, I want you to know: you’re not broken, and you’re not failing at life. You’re human.

People come to me for Reiki when they’re feeling low for all sorts of reasons. Some know exactly what’s behind it. Others don’t. Many just know they’re tired of carrying everything on their own.

What Low Mood Can Feel Like

From what clients share—and from my own experience—low mood can look very different from person to person. It might be sadness, numbness, irritability, exhaustion, or a deep sense of disconnection. You don’t need a label or a clear explanation to deserve care.

I also want to say clearly: Reiki isn’t a replacement for mental health care. If someone is struggling deeply or for a long time, I gently encourage seeking support from a qualified mental health professional. Reiki can sit alongside that support as something nurturing and steady.

How I See Reiki Supporting People With Low Mood

Reiki doesn’t try to “fix” anyone. That’s one of the things I love most about it. Instead, it offers space—space to breathe, to soften, to be exactly as you are.

Here’s what I often notice during sessions with people who are feeling low:

Deep rest - Many people don’t realise how tense they’ve been until their body finally relaxes. Reiki often allows the nervous system to slow down, even briefly, and that rest can feel like a relief from emotional heaviness.

Permission to feel - In everyday life, we’re often rushing past our feelings just to cope. During Reiki, there’s no pressure to talk, explain, or perform. Emotions can surface quietly, and that’s okay.

Reconnection - Low mood can make us feel disconnected from our bodies and ourselves. Reiki can gently rebuild that connection—helping people notice sensation, breath, or a sense of being “back” in their body again.

Consistency and care - Sometimes what helps most isn’t a big breakthrough, but regular moments of being held in care. Reiki can be a reminder that you’re allowed to receive, not just keep going.

Gentle Things I Often Suggest (And Practice Myself)

Alongside Reiki, these are some compassionate approaches I return to again and again:

• Lower your expectations on hard days. Doing less doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re listening.

• Get curious, not critical. Instead of “What’s wrong with me?”, try “What do I need right now?”

• Stay connected in small ways. A message, a voice note, sitting quietly with someone—connection doesn’t have to be intense to matter.

• Let support be layered. Reiki, therapy, medication, creativity, movement, community—support rarely looks like just one thing.

• Use gentle self-touch or self-Reiki. A hand on the heart or belly, a few slow breaths—these small moments can help the body feel safer.

  
  

A Personal Note on Healing

Healing isn’t a straight line. I don’t believe feeling better means you’ll never feel low again. And feeling low doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made.

Reiki meets you wherever you are. You don’t need to believe anything specific. You don’t need to be “spiritual enough” or calm or positive. You just need to show up as yourself.

I aim to offer Reiki in a way that’s inclusive, respectful, and affirming of all identities, bodies, and backgrounds. Everyone deserves a space where they can rest without judgment.

You’re Allowed to Receive Support

If low mood has been part of your life recently, please hear this: you deserve gentleness. You deserve support. And you deserve it in whatever form feels right for you.

If Reiki feels like something you’re curious about, I’d be honoured to hold that space with you. And if your path looks different, that’s valid too.

You don’t have to do this alone. 💛

Love and blessings

Esther xxx