As the colder months settle in, it is easy for many people to put their mental health on the back burner while the temperatures drop. Fortunately, there are ways to care for your mental health without spending any rands.
Also see: Why focusing on your mental health is a powerful step
Here are some tips to ensure you’re on the right path regarding your mental health during winter, according to Brown University Health:
- Practise meditation and mindfulness: Meditating and being mindful have been proven to improve depression and anxiety. Other activities, besides meditating, to consider are taking a quiet walk and listening to your favourite song, among others.
- Keep up with other appointments: Prioritising your mental health also includes looking after the rest of you. Take care of your physical health by regularly keeping up with your dental visits, visiting your general practitioners, and attending other ongoing wellness appointments.
- Stay connected and have a trusty support system: According to studies, having a strong support system and maintaining social interactions have been deemed beneficial in reducing negative mental health symptoms. It is still possible to connect with others during the chilly temperatures, be it through video chats, phone calls, or even writing a letter.
- Maintain healthy eating and sleeping habits: It’s easy to lounge around and reach for the unhealthy snacks while binge-watching your favourite series. Try to avoid such habits by filling up on fruits, vegetables, and proteins, and indulging in sweet treats occasionally. It is also best to maintain a healthy sleep routine to improve your mental and emotional resilience.
- Exercise regularly: Participating in regular exercise can help boost your energy, help you sleep better, and improve your mood. There are many online workouts to choose from and ways to get physically creative from the comfort of your home.
Also see: The science of winter depression and how it affects you
Brown University Health also suggests that people adopt cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) practices, a type of treatment used to identify thought patterns that negatively influence behaviours and emotions and how to change those patterns. These practices include journaling, cognitive restructuring, and reframing, relaxation and stress reduction techniques, and behavioural experiments.
Also see: Tips to make winter more enjoyable, according to experts
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