Winter Mental Wellness Tips
As winter sets in, it brings a unique set of challenges for mental well-being. In this blog post, discover a curated collection of essential tips to prioritize and enhance your mental wellness during the colder months. From combating seasonal blues to fostering a sense of coziness and connection, these expert-recommended strategies will guide you through a season of self-care. Embrace the chill with confidence and discover the keys to maintaining a balanced and thriving mind throughout the winter season.
Mind: Narrative Shift
Let's first adjust our thoughts about the winter season itself. Yes, it can be physically uncomfortable, but there is value and beauty in how we sit with ourselves and dive inward during the colder/rainier months. A shift in perspective can allow us to create a new narrative for this season. In your personal work, you may have benefited from reframing thoughts; it can be the same for how we think about seasons.
Body: Happy Hormone Boost
If we experience winter blues, it can be important to give our "happy hormones" a boost since we aren't getting as much vitamin D from the sun to elevate our mood. The good thing about the cool weather is that the brisk chill can help reset our nervous system, so don't stop taking walks outside; it's prime time to take a brisk walk outdoors. Winter is also a great time to schedule an appointment with your PCP to check vitamin levels. Insufficiencies in vital nutrients can impact our overall mood and mental health. If you're into herbalism or have a trusted herbalist, it could be worthwhile to explore mood-boosting herbs and teas as well.
“There is no such thing as bad weather only unsuitable clothing
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Spirit: Crafted Connection
How are you connecting with yourself and others during this time? If you have a faith base or spiritual practice, how are you connecting with your practice? Winter is the season of reflection and an opportunity to deepen our connections with others who pour into us. Therapy can often be about the relationships we struggle with, but what about the ones that nourish us? How can we deepen our joyous relationships? The good thing about relationships we trust is that we can be more adventurous in how we engage with them. Try a new class together, ask new questions, or express gratitude.
Creativity: Overcoming Fear
The beauty of winter lies in shorter days, potentially granting more free time and fewer outdoor plans. It's an ideal period to explore hobbies or creative practices, serving as a trial for new experiences. Winter's sense of seclusion allows for vulnerability and risk-taking. If you're not prepared for a full creative commitment, consider visiting creative spaces or consuming creative content like films or art books.