By Vanessa Mavie Hofer
Days are getting shorter, and nights are get longer. As temperature sinks so does the level of joy all around. People get quieter, lazier, sadder. That’s when you know, winter is about to take over. As much as Halloween is fun and Christmas is the most joyful time of the year, our mental health definitely suffers when winter comes around. However, there are so many ways to make sure your mental health stays on track during these tough times. Let me give you 10 easy ways to improve your mental health when winter season is draining the fun out of your life.
- Up your Vitamin D intake
Feeling the sun, or the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays that are coming from the sun, on our skin converts cholesterol into vitamin D. Vitamin D is not only important for bone health and immune function but also for your overall well-being. That means getting more sun results in a better mood. So, whenever you can, catch the few rays of sunlight that the winter offers. And if that isn’t enough, grab some Vitamin D pills from your closest supermarket. I promise they taste just like candy!
2. Take care of yourself
Setting time aside for yourself can go a long way. Making sure that you have time to do some self-care, or simply something you enjoy is important to keep up motivation and joy. In tough times it’s the small things that keep us going. Take a long bath, light a candle and read a book, or just put on a movie and eat your favorite snack. Give yourself something to look forward to!
3. Stay active
As much as the winter makes you want to be lazy and just curl up in your comfy and warm bed all day long, activity is needed. Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress. Even a 10 minute ab workout can be good enough, or a relaxed walk through a beautiful winter wonderland.
4. Watch your nutrition
You are what you eat! Eating nutrient-rich foods and ensuring variety in your diet is good for your body, gives you energy and improves your mental health. Try not to rely too much on fast food or sugar, although definitely have your grandma’s cookies and drink that hot chocolate at the Christmas market. It is all about balance.
5. Go outside as much as you can
Just like vitamin D from the sun, fresh air improves your physical and mental health. When it gets cold we like to stay in the comfort of our heating units and warm beds, but too much of that makes us slow and lazy. Going outside and catching a breath of the fresh winter air can give you the same energy boost as your favorite energy drink – just waaaay healthier!
6. Spend time with your friends
You ever feel like shit, then meet up with your best friends and after a few minutes with them life is worth living again? Exactly! Stay in touch with your friends, meet up with them, do something fun. Being surrounded by the people you love works like magic for your mental health. Even a quick coffee date is good enough sometimes.
7. Get enough sleep
We all love sleep, and so does our body. Actually, our body needs it to function properly. Our body works hard throughout the day so we need to make sure it gets its rest during the night. Especially during winter, the body has to work overtime to keep us warm and ensure we’re not getting sick. We need to give our body some grace and make sure it gets the amount of sleep it needs. A consistent sleep schedule can help with that. Set that sleep schedule on your phone and stick to it!
8. Try something new
New is always exciting. From cooking a new meal, to changing something in your apartment or trying a completely new hobby – anything new works. You’ve always wanted to bake that one cake your mom loves to make? Now is the time!
9. Be mindful
Mediation and mindfulness can reduce stress and anxiety. Whether it is journaling, breathing exercises or actually guided meditation, try to include something in your daily routine that works your mental health. And if you’ve never tried it, use it as your ‘something new’!
10. Enjoy it!
As much as winter and the cold can suck, there is always something positive to it. For example, the best holiday season in the whole year (yes I mean Christmas!). Try to see the good and fun parts in winter and make the best out of it. Enjoy the holidays with your beloved ones, appreciate how a good cup of tea or a hot chocolate warms your body after being in the cold, look forward to cuddle up in your comfortable bed at night. We tend to see the negative things more because it’s easier but we can also turn it around and look at the positive side of things. Let’s make this winter different and actually embrace it!
