Top 10 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health in Winter
- charlottehall74
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The days are drawing in and the chill is setting in, which can only mean one thing… winter will soon be upon us! So, this World Mental Health Day, let’s look at 10 ways that you can take care of your mental health and enjoy the best that the season has to offer.
Top 10 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health in Winter
Make the most of the daylight hours
With the shorter daylight hours, it’s more important than ever to soak up as much sun as possible. This can help alleviate symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and generally make us feel better. Try investing in a light box for areas you’re in regularly that mimics natural light, and keep curtains open as much as possible.
Embrace the slow life
Winter is the perfect opportunity to embrace the slow, cosy life. The dark days and chilly weather are the perfect excuse to stay wrapped up on the sofa with a good book and a warm drink. Taking time to slow down can help us rest and rejuvenate, improving our mental health. It’s the closest we can get to hibernating!
Stay connected with friends and family
Social media can only get us so far when it comes to staying connected to the people around us. There’s nothing like spending quality time with those we love to boost our mood and feel like we have a community. This could be as simple as a phone/video call, but even better is arranging something in person. It gives you something to look forward to!
Spruce up your environment
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to just be for spring! Giving your place a good clean and sorting out can make your space feel completely new and clear some mental clutter too! Plus, decorating for the spooky and festive season is a brilliant creative outlet!
Engage in your hobbies (or start a new one)
On the topic of creative outlets, engage in your hobbies! Whether that’s crochet/knitting, painting, board games, or anything in between, investing in yourself and your hobbies has a host of benefits. They give a sense of purpose, boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and can even promote social connection! Starting a new hobby can also increase our confidence and give our brains a workout!
Start a project
Hobbies can give us the perfect opportunity for long-term projects to see us through the dark days. It could be crocheting a blanket, redecorating your bathroom, learning a new language – anything that requires a bit of commitment. These activities can give us a sense of purpose and something to think about and look forward to! Then, once yoy’ve finished, you get the satisfaction of a job well done!
Create a routine and stick to it
Everything changes so much at this time of year: the light levels, the weather, plans. It’s more important than ever to put together a routine that works for you. Having predictable activities every day can help you feel more in control and better able to handle whatever life throws your way.
Exercise
A regular exercise schedule is a great way to improve and sustain your mental health. Studies have shown that the endorphins released when exercising are great stress-relievers and make us feel good. The cold weather may mean you don’t fancy going outside to exercise, so maybe consider a home workout or online exercise class. It could even be as simple as jogging in place for 10-15 minutes.
Eat a balanced diet
It may sound obvious, but eating a good diet can help your mental health enormously, especially in the colder months. Making sure your body is fuelled correctly and has all the nutrients it needs does wonders for your wellbeing. It can help support your immune system, give you enough energy to keep your body warm through the cold, and vitamin D in particular can help defend against SAD.
Spend time with animals
We would be amiss if we didn’t talk about the wonders of spending time with animals for our mental health. Animal therapy is a really useful tool to promote mental wellbeing and is recognised as an occupational therapy, suggesting that animals bring us together.
Sound good? Learn more about animal therapy for mental well-being here and get in touch to book yours today!
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