If you find yourself feeling both physically and mentally drained in the colder months, then you are far from alone. From catching every cold and cough going, experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), to battling with anxiety and isolation, everything seems worse in winter.
That being said, if you start to struggle when the days turn dark, there are several self-care tips that you can practice to help you put a spring back in your step and come out the other side of winter happier and healthier than ever before.
Interested to know more? Let’s get started on improving your self-care during the autumn and winter months.
1. Don’t Suffer Alone
If you already know that your mental health is going to suffer as the winter months approach, then make sure you reach out for support sooner rather than later. Whether you struggle with a specific mental health disorder, have an addiction problem, or you simply feel low at this time of year, do not suffer alone.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your family, your partner, or your friends and you feel you might need professional help to get you through winter, then don’t be afraid to ask for it. If you have teenagers, and especially if mental health problems run in the family, you should be extra vigilant at this time of year, and you may want to consider speaking to a treatment center such as Ignite Teen Treatment Centers that specializes in both mental health and addiction in teenagers.
2. Embrace Sunlight
Although sunlight may be in short supply at this time of year, when the sun does show its face, make a conscious effort to get outside and enjoy the feeling of warmth on your skin. This is especially important if you suffer with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but it can help to lift everyone’s mood.
Furthermore, vitamin D, which you get from sunlight exposure, is important for keeping your immune system fighting fit, something that is crucial at this time of year when common winter illnesses are doing the rounds.
3. Prioritize Exercise
Even if exercise is the last thing you feel like doing after a long day at work, physical activity can work wonders for both your physical and mental health and should be an established part of your everyday routine.
Whether you choose to work out from the comfort of your own home, favor a group exercise class, or you love nothing more than playing with your kids in the backyard, carrying out just 30 minutes of exercise a day will help you manage your stress levels, boost your mood and keep your waistline in check.
4. Cozy Up!
Although getting outside and keeping fit is good for you, it is equally important that you listen to your mind and body when it comes to rest. Inevitably, in the winter months, there will be days when you feel like simply snuggling up on the sofa with a mug of cocoa and a good movie, and this is perfectly fine. In fact, this can be incredibly good for your overall wellbeing.
However, if you find yourself spending more and more time just sitting indoors and doing very little, you may want to start motivating yourself to get out of the house and start moving more.
5. Stay Hydrated
It is a lot easier to get your eight recommended glasses of water a day in the summer months when the sun is shining, and you are constantly feeling thirsty. However, it is equally important to stay hydrated during the colder months, especially seeing as central heating can dry out the body over long periods of time.
If you find yourself not wanting to drink plain water in winter, there are other ways that you can boost your fluid intake, including:
• Filling up on soups and stews
• Eating water-rich foods
• Avoiding caffeine
• Infusing your water
