Take Care of Your Mental Health this Winter Season
Take Care of Your Mental Health this Winter Season
As the days shorten and temperatures drop, we tend to spend more time indoors. Take care of your mental health this winter season. Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), impacts around 5 percent of adults in the United States and is more common among women. Even though not everyone suffers from SAD, many people fall into a slump during the cold winter months. In this article, we’ll discuss 4 things you can do to take care of your mental health as winter approaches.
1. Stay Active
You are probably familiar with the feeling of accomplishment after a good workout. Maybe you felt a little sore, but hopefully you also noticed an improvement in your mood. Although physical fitness is great for the body, it benefits the mind as well. According to the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, exercise “reduces anxiety, depression, and negative mood, and improves self-esteem and cognitive function” (Callaghan). Exercise is not limited to weight-lifting and intense cardio. Take a walk around the neighborhood or play fetch with your dog. The key is to do something you enjoy that keeps you on your feet and moving.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves resting in the present moment. Close your eyes and take in the sounds around you. Pay attention to your breath and the way your body feels. Rather than try to push stressful or triggering thoughts away, let them pass through your mind. Try to practice mindfulness daily—either in the morning after you wake, or at night before you sleep. You’ll find that even 5 minutes per day will reduce your stress and elevate your mood.
3. Find a Hobby that you Enjoy
Do something that makes you smile, something that you want to do because it’s fun, not because you have to. Whether you play an instrument, bake, knit, or draw, spend some time each day doing this activity. Hobbies give us the chance to express ourselves and achieve something for our own enjoyment.
4. Nourish Your Body
Eating foods that are rich in nutrients is key to helping the brain function properly and essential for mental well-being. According to Healthline, three important vitamins for your brain include: vitamin C, vitamin D, and B vitamins. To make sure you incorporate these vitamins into your daily routine, try BOOSTit, a solution for immune support. It includes vitamins C and D, as well as vitamin B-12.