Got The Winter Blues? Best Self-Care Practices to Start Today

With the winter season in full swing, it can be harder to get exercise or enjoy the outdoors. In addition, you may be embarking on the beginning of a new semester of school or the start of a new career, which can make building in time for health and wellness more difficult. Here are some self-care practices to keep your mind and body in shape for the long winter months:

Reading

As simple as it sounds, finding a variety of books to read can be the perfect activity when the weather is damp and snowy. Whether you’re at home or on a bus or train, you will always be able to pick up a book and learn something new. Once you begin, you may even be inspired to start a book club or suggest books to friends or coworkers to read on their own time.

Explore your city or town

While many people feel most comfortable staying inside their homes when it’s cold, you would be surprised as to how much you may enjoy spending time outside the immediate area of your home or apartment. Walking or even running is a great way to get some exercise without going far, experience the world around you and see more of your local community.

Take a vacation

If you’re able to take time off from work, the winter season can be the ideal time of year to take a vacation with family or friends. Skiing trips is a popular option, or escaping to a warmer climate such as Florida can be a nice way to clear your head of stress. Taking time off to regroup is an important facet to being both mentally and physically healthy.

Find a hobby

As funny as it may sound, finding a new hobby is a great way to explore potential interests and relieve stress. For many activities, there are usually many community groups and meetings that you can join. Getting involved in your community is a great way to expand your knowledge, meet more people, and gain valuable experiences.

Reach out to an old friend or family member

If you haven’t seen a close friend or family member in a while, consider reaching out to them and initiating contact. Friends and family provide great outlets to share life experiences and relieve stress from school or work. Creating stronger bonds with loved ones improves overall health and well-being, giving you a more enriching personal life.

With these self-care practices, you’ll find that your mental and physical health will gradually improve in time. However, if you continue to experience sadness, anxiety or depression this winter, contact Joseph Montaldi, LCSW, for your free consultation.