Winter is a time of year that many people dread. It’s colder, darker and there’s also the added bonus of holiday stress. It can also be unkind to your immune system, leaving you dealing with colds and other viruses at this time of year.
All of these things can affect your mood, so it’s no surprise that many people struggle with their mental health at this time of year. Just as having a fitness plan can improve your physical health, having a wellbeing plan in place could help you boost your mental health and help make the winter months a little easier.
Take a look at these 6 things you can do to boost your mental health this winter.
1. Keep active
Keeping active is a great way to boost your mood during the winter months. It helps you burn off some excess energy, while also helping to beat that sluggish feeling that can come with the winter weather. From winter walks to a little home workout, there are a lot of ways to stay active during the winter to help improve your overall health.
2. Stay warm
Feeling cold is unpleasant, but did you know that being cold can also cause depression? For many people, being cold brings on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can bring about significant mood changes and make the winters very difficult. Staying warm is one way to help fight against SAD, so make sure you wrap up warm when you leave home, and keep your home heated too. Embrace those cozy feelings to help boost your mood this winter.
3. Make time for things you enjoy
The winter months can feel like a very long time if you’re doing the same things day in, day out. Keep busy by making time for the things you enjoy, or take up a new hobby this winter. Focus on making nice memories and you’ll soon find that time flies by.
4. Put your phone down and keep your mind active in other ways
There have been several studies on the impact of mobile phones and mental health. Even the smallest reduction in time spent using your phone could improve your mental health.
Instead of spending hours upon hours on your phone each day, think about keeping your mind active in other ways. Reading a book is a good way to stay entertained, while you could try playing games or brain exercises to give your mind a boost. You can also combine your efforts with Alpha GPC for sale, which helps improve memory and logical thinking skills. We can all feel a little fuzzy during the winter months, so this approach could be just what you need to stay sharp over the coming months.
5. Spend time with friends and family
Spending time with friends and family is a good way to get out of the house and enjoy yourself over the winter months. While the temptation to hibernate and avoid all social contact can be tempting, it can leave you feeling very lonely. Make time for the people you love – spending time with them can bring you all kinds of feel-good memories that will make the winter months more bearable.
You don’t need to fill your calendar to make the most of your time, even saying yes to a quick coffee or breakfast can be a great way to catch up with family and friends without the need for detailed plans.
6. Make time for self-care
Self-care is very important throughout the year, but even more so in winter. Some self-care will help you keep your body and mind balanced, helping you to stay healthy. From eating well to taking time to relax in the bath or take a long walk, it’s good to make time for yourself.
In the lead-up to the holidays, things can become a little crazy between the preparations, attending different events and feeling like you always have something on. Try to balance your time and allow yourself some regular ‘me’ time to help you catch your breath and recharge
Now, more than ever, is the time to make your health and wellness a priority. Taking care of yourself through staying active, eating well and being kind to yourself will help you enjoy a better winter, so that you can give your mental health a much-needed lift. Get a plan ready to help you make it through the winter months
