Weekly Health Tip

Beating the Winter Blues

Given our experiences during 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, we can all agree that worsened mental health is the last thing anyone needs right now, so staying on top of our mental health during this winter season is going to be more important than ever.

Fortunately, there are several things we can do:

1. Overall good nutrition plays a critical role in both our physical health and mental health. This means getting a wide variety of whole foods, including colorful produce, unprocessed meats, healthy fats (think nuts, seeds, avocados, fish), and of course plenty of water. If you think your diet is lacking in variety, consider a quality multivitamin to fill any nutrient gaps.

2. Spend as much time as you can outdoors to get fresh air. This can help reduce stress, boost your mood, improve sleep, increase oxygen levels, and more. Even if it’s chilly, bundle up and head out, and take some deep, cleansing breaths!

3. Exercise helps to boost the “feel good” hormones in our bodies, which can directly impact our mood. Moving your body also helps improve sleep and energy levels, key factors in maintaining mental health.

4. Laughing helps to lift our spirits and lessen our stress levels and is a fun, simple way to help relieve the winter blues. Unwind with 30 minutes of a funny book, show, or even YouTube videos! You’ll instantly feel refreshed and more positive. Avoid negative news, shows, movies, and articles when possible to prevent them from unnecessarily weighing down your mood.

5. In addition to the above tips, it is crucial that you find your own sources of happiness this winter. Whether it’s a hobby, TV series, reading, rearranging your home, or even just cooking, dedicating more time to the things you love can make a huge impact on your mental health. If you haven’t found an enjoyable routine or set of socially distant activities yet this year, now is the time.