Depression is a common problem during the winter months. The weather can be a trigger for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, usually in the fall or winter. Symptoms of SAD include feeling depressed most of the time, having low energy, having trouble sleeping, and craving carbohydrates.
Get As Much Sunlight As You Can!
One of the biggest contributors to depression within the colder months tends to be the lack of daylight. When compared to our summer and spring counterpart, most people tend to not be getting out there and getting the sunlight that we all need.
Vitamin D is essential for the function of our bodies. It helps our bodies absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. It also helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain a healthy immune system. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to health problems such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease on top of a variety of mental health problems that can arise from a lack of Vitamin D.
Sleep is incredibly important for our overall physical and mental health, and most people know that getting a good night's sleep is key to feeling rested and refreshed. But did you know that sunlight can also play a role in how well we sleep? Exposure to natural light during the day helps regulate our internal clocks, or circadian rhythms, which in turn help control our sleep-wake cycles. This means that getting some exposure to natural light during the day can help us fall asleep more easily at night.
So bundle up and get some sunlight today!
Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate!
Hydration is extremely important for maintaining mental health. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to keep energy levels up and prevent these negative side effects.
Dehydration can often lead to a decline in mental health. This can be due to the fact that dehydration can cause changes in mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. When you are dehydrated, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and seek medical attention if the condition does not improve.
Move More!
Physical health and mental health are closely related. When you don’t take care of your body, your mental health suffers. And when you don’t take care of your mental health, your physical health suffers. It’s a two-way street!
Exercise is important for your mental well being because it helps to improve your mood, reduces stress and anxiety, and boosts your overall energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins which have mood-boosting effects, and it also helps to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Additionally, exercise can help to improve your sleep quality, which can further reduce stress and promote better mental health.
While it can be much harder to get yourself outside to exercise in winter due to the cold, over time it becomes much easier and after that first 5-10min your body will warm up and you will feel incredible!
Be Thankful!
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and showing appreciation for what an individual has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth. Practising gratitude has been linked with greater happiness, improved physical health, and better sleep. Individuals who practice gratitude also report feeling less lonely and isolated.
Stay Connected!
Maintaining connections with friends and family is important for your mental health. This winter, make an effort to connect with the people you care about. Here are five ways you can do that:
1. Make time for phone calls or video chats.
Everyone loves a quick phone call just to touch base and share the events of the day and have a laugh!
2. Plan regular get-togethers, even if they’re just virtual ones.
With some viruses going around finding the time to get out regularly can be difficult but we have so many other options for this in 2022. See the people you love regularly, whether in person or through a screen.
3. Share your thoughts and feelings openly.
Being open and honest can be one of the most freeing things in the world, even more so when you can be open with the people that you love.
4. Be there for others when they need you.
It is super important that you are there for others as much if not more than they are for you. Everyone needs help sometimes.
5. Check in on your loved ones regularly.
Staying on top of mental health can be a real challenge for some people, take time to check in on people regularly through the above-mentioned methods and watch as you and your loved ones develop happier and healthier lives for it.
The winter season is often a difficult time for people. Along with the colder weather and shorter days comes an increased risk of depression. If you’re feeling down this winter, don’t worry - you’re not alone. There are things you can do to take control of your mental health and be happy. First, it’s important to understand what contributes to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how it affects different people. Then, armed with that knowledge, you can take steps to counteract the negative effects of SAD and improve your mood. We hope these tips help you enjoy the winter season while staying healthy and happy!
