The sun is setting earlier, the weather is getting colder, wetter, and windier. There are more coughs and sneezes with the threat of (ever-present) viruses. All this tends to mean we may spend more time indoors. These winter months can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. You may find yourself feeling more irritable, having low energy, or even struggling to do day to day routines.
Maintaining your mental health through these winter months is important in supporting your overall health and sense of wellbeing. The following tips can help you beat the winter blues and manage those negative feelings:
- Get outside and exercise.
- Keep up healthy eating and sleep habits.
- Have a support system and stay connected.
- Meditate and be mindful.
- Adopt some CBT practices.
Taking care of your mental health is a year-round practice. The winter doesn’t mean you have to be stuck indoors, and it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t do the things you enjoyed in the warmer months. While you may need to be a little more creative, you can certainly still connect with others, enjoy outside activities, and get that social interaction we all need to stay mentally healthy and happy. With these practices and healthy habits, it’s possible to see the sunnier side of winter.
