Mental Health
This is the time of year where many of us anticipate the upcoming holidays and get ready to spend time with friends and family, prepare traditional holiday recipes, and listen to festive music as we decorate the tree.
While fall and winter are known for their fun festivities, they also mark a big transition in the weather. From colder days and shorter nights, all these seasonal changes can affect our mood and our mental health. If you're feeling less than festive this season, that's okay. These feelings can affect anyone, and they often do. Here are some practical tips you can implement to boost your mood and beat the winter blues.
Tip 1
Try a new workout class or give yoga a try. While winter can make all of us want to hunker down and hibernate under a pile of blankets, physical exercise is linked to better mental health and a better overall mood. Get moving at your local gym with an energizing Zumba class or attend a hot yoga session to get some exercise in and enjoy the coziness of a heated room.
Tip 2
Find time to get outside and enjoy the sun while it's still out. You can go for a walk with a friend or family member or build a snowman with your kids when it starts to snow. Spending time outdoors is a great way to boost your mood, avoid cabin fever, and help others who might be struggling too!
Tip 3
Grab a notebook and find a cozy spot to journal. Journaling is a great way to collect your thoughts and put what you’re feeling onto paper. Even if it’s just for five minutes a day, journaling can help clear your mind and alleviate some of the stress from your day.
Tip 4
If you've got a busy schedule and find it hard to partake in the tips mentioned above, consider buying a Happy Light. A Happy Light is intended to help with the effects of experiencing less sunlight and can help boost serotonin levels, the hormone that makes you happy. Plus, these lights can easily be found at most large retailers or online!
If the weather has you feeling down, know that you're not alone. This year’s transition from summer to fall was pretty abrupt with lots of rain, wind, and lower temperatures. We encourage you to try some of the tips we mentioned above and take some time for yourself. If, however, your feelings or overall mood don't improve, don't be afraid to reach out for help. We can all get through this together.