Ways to Stay Healthy Mentally During the Cold Months
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As the cold months creep in and the sun leaves us a little earlier in the day, it’s important we acknowledge the challenges that come with this environmental shift and how it impacts our well-being. While cozy season can be cute and fun, it can trigger some changes within us. Be it mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Some of us may thrive in the cold months; others of us might struggle just a bit more; either way, it’s a chance to hone in on your well-being. A chance to pick up a new routine, prioritize your mental health, and be strategic about your wellness in order to feel good.
Let’s get into how embracing wellness during this time not only helps us stay balanced but also prepares us to welcome the warmth and renewal of the coming seasons.
1. Take in the sunlight
Now, this can be tricky some days, granted, this entire list can be tricky most days, but the key is to be resilient and remember that you are trying your best to feel your best.
When you wake up, try to get some sun shining on you. Outside of the good energy the sun holds, taking in some sun in the morning can positively impact your stress levels, which can influence your immune system and focus throughout the day. (Source) If it’s one thing we want to do, it’s start the day off strong and feeling good.
- Open your blinds in the morning
- Spend time outside when possible
- Buy a light therapy lamp that mimics natural sunlight
2. Stay active
Discipline is the name of this game. Alexa, play Move Your Body by Marshall Jefferson. Over the summer, if you joined a run club, walking club, jump roping club, new gym, whatever—keep going! Continue to move your body. Even if it’s for 10 minutes a day, in the house or outside of the house.
You want to release those endorphins, which act as the “happy hormones,” and ultimately reduce stress and anxiety and fill your mind and body with some joy.
- Do a short workout at home
- Attend fitness classes
- Join communities
3. Join a community
Staying on topic with communities, try your best to not isolate. Dedicate time to surround yourself with your favorite people or even new people by using Facebook, Instagram, or Bumble BFF.
It is very easy to excuse yourself from events or going outside because of the weather or lack of sun at 4 pm, but it is very important to have balance. We love solo time over here, but we also really love community. Make it your mission to meet up with some friends or go out a couple times a month. If you're a woman living in Chicago we have a community just for you where we experience well-lived moments. Follow us on Instagram for updates.
- Buy tickets for events with friends ahead of time
- Pick a day or two dedicated to calling loved ones
- Attend virtual events and join online communities
4. Eat nourishing foods
Remember, you are what you eat. Fuel your body with nourishing foods that you know will bring you energy and not bring you down throughout the day. One way to figure out what foods may be best for you is to take note of how certain foods make you feel. Maybe a chicken sandwich made you sleepy and bloated, but that lentil potato soup had you full but feeling good.
This is not to say you should avoid eating comfort foods, but it’s all about balance. Comfort foods can be nourishing as well; it’s all about what goes into them.
- Dedicate a day to meal prep
- Try new recipes
- Research and eat foods based on nutrients
5. Pick up a hobby
This seems like a hard thing for some; for others it comes easily, but finding a hobby to keep you productive, creative, and present during the times you are cooped up inside because of a snowstorm or the fact that you simply do not have the energy to socialize will help you in more than one way. The feeling of anticipation leading up to experiencing and accomplishing whatever it is you plan to do is going to give you that dopamine boost we should be looking for.
- Pick something you would not mind repeating
- Block out times to work on the activity
- Do something that requires your creativity
Maintaining a well-balanced state of mental health during the winter months requires intentional effort and a good understanding of what you need and are capable of doing.
Outside of the five ways we listed for how to mentally stay afloat during the cold months, one thing to remember is to give yourself grace. Do not beat yourself up for not feeling your best and showing up how you would in the warm summer months. Listen to your mind, body, and soul and give it the energy and love it needs to thrive.
Some days will be harder than others; in those moments, pull out your journal and start writing about everything you are experiencing, and by the time spring comes, you’ll be able to look back and see how much you have grown between seasons.