Mental Health Boosters To See You Through Winter

Winter is difficult at the best of times, but this year it’s going to be a little harder for a lot of us. The coronavirus has written off a lot of 2020, but with a new year on the horizon and some positive recent developments, things are looking up.

For now, it’s time to make the best of things and put your health first. It’s more important than ever to practice self-care, and that means putting your mental health first.

Make it through the winter months with the help of these mental health boosters.

Mental Health Boosters To See You Through Winter

Get your 8 hours sleep

Sleep deprivation can affect your mood, your attention span, and affect the rest of your health too. There are a lot of tips you can try to help you sleep better at night, including investing in some comfy new bedding and making sure you get into bed earlier.

By limiting your caffeine intake and switching off from your phone and other electronics at least an hour before bed, you could be in a much better position to get the eight hours you need.

Get out and walk

Getting outdoors in winter is important. It’s harder to do than in the summer months because of the colder weather, meaning you could be missing out on the vitamin D that provides so many great benefits for your health. Spending some time each day walking will also help you make some time to meet a friend, listen to a podcast or pick up the phone to see how someone else is doing.

See some more great reasons why walks are great for your mind and start getting your steps in.

Catch up with a friend or relative

It’s been a year of missing many of the people that we’re closest too. While we’re all trying to keep ourselves, and our loved ones, safe, there are still ways you can meet up with those that you’re closest to for a catch-up. Whether you head out for a walk together, go for lunch or talk with someone on the phone or by video, it will lift your mood to spend some time with someone special. 

While the winter can be a good time to hibernate and enjoy some time to yourself, it’s good to meet up with people when you can too. Just remember to follow guidelines and stay safe.

Get some photos printed

Looking back through old photos is the perfect way to remember good times and wonderful memories. It’s easy to take photos for granted – we carry them around on our phones all of the time. But why not print off some of your favourites to put in an album or display around your home? 

Photo gifts can also be a great way to show your friends and family that you’re thinking of them, so why not print off some extras to send to them too?

Watch your favourite comedy or a kids film

There’s nothing quite like curling up and watching a good comedy to lift your mood and make you forget about things for a while. Do you have a favourite comedy or kids film that always cheers you up? It could be time to get cosy and give it a watch!

Alternatively, why not discover something new? Work your way through a list of the best comedies ever and get ready for a lot of laughs. Laughter really is the best medicine and there’s nothing quite like a comedy to cheer up a cold winter day.

Exercise daily

Some daily exercise can be the ideal mood booster. Exercise releases endorphins, which are your body’s ‘feel-good’ hormone. Not only will some regular exercise help keep you balanced, but it can help keep you healthy too. 

The problem with exercising in winter is that it’s cold and dark, which can be big deterrents from going for a run or heading to the gym. The temptation to stay at home where it’s comfortable is much too great! The good news is that there are ways to exercise in winter that will help you maintain your fitness and improve your mood. 

Even a short home workout or living room yoga could be great ways of fitting in some daily exercise into your routine.

Find ways to relax and stay calm

As we approach the end of the year, it can feel like a bit of a race to the finish line. It can be a highly stressful time, especially off the back of a tough year. Taking some time off from work over the Christmas break will be a good excuse for you to take a step back and recharge.

It’s vital that you take time to yourself so that you can relax and be calm. Doing something you enjoy, like taking a bath or curling up with a book, is a simple way of regaining some balance and focusing on yourself.

If you’re dealing with stress, you could also give some CBD gummies a try. Many people use CBD oil to improve their wellness, and it could give you the boost you need over the winter months.

Embrace home cooking

Looking after your mental health means taking care of your body too. While it’s tempting to eat a lot of junk food in winter, the result could leave you feeling low in energy – causing you to feel sluggish and grumpy.

Instead of relying on takeaways and processed food every night, why not give home cooking a try instead? There are some wonderful winter comfort food recipes you can learn to make that will help you eat better, but do the job of warming you up. From healthier versions of classics like macaroni cheese and lasagne to recreations of your favourite takeaways, it can be fun to discover some new recipes that make you excited for dinner. 

Winter is the perfect time for batch-cooking too, so you could make some large batches of your favourite winter dishes to freeze and have on those nights where you really don’t feel like spending time in the kitchen.

Enjoy pampering yourself

A nice pampering session now and then is the perfect way to give yourself a boost. Spending time treating yourself can lift your mood, boosting your self-esteem and your mental health in the process. You might not be going out much right now, but there’s no reason why you can’t look and feel great for you! 

You could start with a visit to the hairdressers or to get your nails done, or even spend some time pampering at home. A nice long bath with your favourite beauty treatments can be a wonderful way to treat yourself, and leave you feeling amazing afterwards.

Do something great for others

The festive season is the time to do good for others. There are more people in need than ever at this time of year, so if you can find the time to help someone else, then do it. It could be a small gesture such as helping out a neighbour, or taking part in a fundraising activity. There are a lot of ways you can help others and make a difference, and it will help you feel good too.

The winter blues can affect people in different ways, and with our normal routines disrupted this year, it’s important to do what you can to keep your spirits up and take care of yourself. Spend time doing the things you enjoy that put you in a good mood, and be sure to reach out to loved ones during those times where you’re not doing so great.

Whatever your plans this winter, make sure you take care of your mental health and put yourself first.

Feel free to share your mental health boosters to see you through winter. Drop me a line or two as always.