Mental Health Moments: Manage Your Mental Health During Winter
⌛ By Abbey Vidrine ⌛
For this week's mental health moment, I wanted to focus on getting through those tough winter months and dealing with seasonal mental health struggles.
Not talked about nearly enough, it’s something that affects a lot us. The lack of activity, less exposure to the sun, and getting dark SO early can make it a challenge to get through. I know for myself, I can’t wait until the sun starts shining in March. Spring is on the way, along with that vitamin D! So how do we beat those pesky months and make it to the sunshine days you ask? Well, here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years!
STAY POSITIVE
Probably the most important aspect that has helped me through any of my mental health problems is focusing on positive thoughts. While I may not be feeling the best in that moment, I keep a positive attitude. I constantly remind myself of the good things happening around me, the good things to come, and most importantly that I’m still breathing. Sometimes getting through the day is all we can do! Growth is not a linear process, either. Take it a day at a time. Start recognizing negative thoughts, stop them in their tracks, and replace them with something positive!
GET ALL THE SUNSHINE YOU CAN
Go get that vitamin D! Sunlight exposure can boost serotonin levels and improve your mood, even in small doses. So if you live somewhere cold, bundle up and go for a walk. Maybe sit outside with some hot coffee or tea and soak up the sun. Even opening your living space to let more light in could help! But the bottom line is, the more sun the better! The winter months can be so confining, because it’s hard to get outside. But making extra time to let the sun hit your skin will definitely be worth it!
EXERCISE REGULARLY
I know it can be very difficult to motivate yourself during these months, but that’s where positive thoughts and routines come in! Exercise can get the feel-good chemicals flowing and overall make you feel better!
So try to find some time to get active, even if it’s only for a half hour. Like I said, growth isn’t a linear path, so don’t feel overwhelmed if you aren’t hitting your goals every day. But try to make exercising a routine, and eventually it’ll become second nature!
BREATH!
I cannot stress this one enough! Breathing is such an important element to not only live, but to get through a panic attack. In my personal experience, when I am feeling overwhelmed or feel anxiety creeping up, I immediately start taking short, quick breaths. I even do this subconsciously throughout stressful days. It takes a lot of self awareness to notice your breathing routine in these situations, but it affects mental health more than you may realize! So the next time you’re not feeling the best, take some deep breaths. Sit down and focus on your breathing and make sure you’re getting all the oxygen you can!
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice, only tips I have picked up throughout my struggles with mental health. It is not intended to take the place of medical help or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician!
Please note: These blog posts are not clinical, although we will provide symptoms and other information. These posts are based on my experiences with anxiety and mental health in general. If you or someone you know needs help, visit a website like Mental Health America to learn more.
Mental Health Moments blog posts are every other Tuesday of the month. Our CEO and contributors highlight what it's like to live with a mental health disorder and continue to fight the stigma through storytelling.
Abbey Vidrine is a West Virginia native and current Public Relations major at Marshall University. She loves all things communication and hopes to do great things within the profession! Connect with Abbey on LinkedIn.