SELF-CARE TIPS FOR THE WINTER MONTHS

January 31, 2023

We are hitting mid-winter now and this can mentally be a difficult time for many.

Here are five self-care tips to help boost your mood over the next few weeks of winter:

1. Journal every day

   The physical act of writing has been shown to have huge benefits for our mental health. Writing out your worries before bed can help you sleep. Or, if you prefer, writing a out your thoughts in the morning can give you some clarity on how you are feeling.

2. Go outside for a daily walk

   This one can be hard when the weather is cold but even twenty minutes of outdoor time a day can help with your energy levels and mood. Walk with a friend to keep you accountable and this will combine having good companionship with the benefits of the outdoors and exercise.

3. Spend more time with good friends

   The warmth and sense of belonging we get from spending time with our friends is a natural mood booster. When we feel low the natural impulse is to withdraw, to hibernate but isolating ourselves can actually make us feel worse.

4. Befriend the winter

   Winter comes every year. Why not find what you enjoy about it? It could be the cosiness of this time. Setting up your environment to feel comfortable and soothing. Or perhaps you could take up a winter activity. This may make you realise how short the season is as you only have a limited time to participate in the your chose winter sport.

5. Take a break from your screen

   Screen time can drain our mental resources. Take time away from your screen. Even an hour a day can make a difference. Choose an activity to replace the screen time such as a workout class, art class or even time reading a physical book.

These strategies can help with this time of year. Choose one to implement for the winter and see if it works for you. Practice self-compassion too. The winter is hard for most of us. Even one small change can make a difference.

written by Kim Foster Yardley, MA C Psych