Mental wellness is an extremely important part of everyday life, and it is no secret that it can start to fluctuate when the colder months rear their dark and often uninspiring heads.
Because of this, it can be difficult for people to stay positive, calm, and in good spirits.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to improve your mental wellness over this period and this piece will take a look at how you can do just that so you can keep your spirits high!
Read on to find out more.
- Express Yourself
There is no shame in the talking game when it comes to our mental health. It can be exhausting trying to deal with negative feelings and reactions by yourself, and the truth is, you are not alone. Around 7.1% (15 million) of the American population suffer from SAD, and these are only stats on people who have been officially diagnosed. Because of this, this seasonal mood change is something that should not be taken lightly.
If you are feeling down or are having certain new negative symptoms that have come on with the weather and seasonal change, just talking to someone about this can help.
- Keep Warm
Being cold can not only affect us physically but did you know it can also affect us mentally? Feeling the cold for extended periods of time can make us feel anxious and insecure, our brains go into “slow mode” as a form of hibernation in order to do the same tasks but while using less energy, and generally, feeling uncomfortable can put us in a less than pleasant mood.
To keep your spirits high, do what you can to maintain a higher temperature and keep yourself warm. The more novelty, the better.
Invest in a custom blanket from my t-shirt blanket made of all of your old favorite t-shirts, buy a case of your favorite hot drink or get yourself a microwavable beanie bear to help keep you warm and relaxed.
- Keep Socializing
It can be really easy not to want to go and see anyone during the cold, dark months. Trying to get yourself to leave the house when you technically do not have to will become your next most difficult challenge, and it will feel all too easy to cancel on your friends and bin off plans you have made at the last minute. That being said, it is crucial that you continue to socialize and not isolate yourself over winter. Spending time with friends and family is essential for our wellness, and staying inside and alone with only yourself for your company can leave you to focus on the negatives while drowning inside your own mind.
Wherever you can, be sure to go and visit your friends, have people over to your house for dinner, book a night out to see something you really want to see, and keep on top of your relationships to help get you through to spring.