Mental Health is important all year round, but in the winter, many struggle to stay on a set routine and to stay motivated. A lot of people battle with seasonal depression or struggle to maintain good mental health in general. A lot of people end up feeling hopeless during winter months and feel like they are stuck feeling like this till the winter months are over, but there are a lot of opinions to help keep yourself motivated and your mind happy during the cold months. 

Exercise 

     Exercise is important all year round, but it is essential in the winter months. Many people believe that working out is only good for weight loss, but that is false. Exercise can indeed play a major role in someone’s weight loss journey, but exercise doesn’t have to be centered around losing weight. Exercise in winter is extremely helpful in boosting someone’s mood. This is because it increases endorphin levels, which can combat the loss of motivation in the winter by enhancing energy and providing a sense of accomplishment. Adding exercise to your daily schedule can not only help maintain a routine, but it can provide you with the energy to get the other things done in your life. 

Support System

     Just like exercising, having a support system all year is extremely important. This is because no one should be expected to have to go through life by themselves. A support system looks different for everyone, but therapy is one support system that can be beneficial to everyone. Therapy is helpful for a lot of people because it is a professional environment to address mental and emotional challenges, this gives people comfort in sharing personal information because therapists are legally not allowed to discuss personal information about a patient. Not only does it provide a safe environment, but it also provides tools to cope, help to develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving, improve mental well-being, and so much more. At the end of the day, having someone that you feel comfortable talking to and asking for help from if needed is crucial during the winter since the winter can bring a lot of new feelings and emotions that are sometimes too big to keep inside. Having a support network provides comfort and promotes overall well-being because knowing someone is in your corner to make sure you are okay is much needed in life because life isn’t always easy especially when it is cold out. 

Sleep Schedule

I believe that almost everyone knows how important sleep is. Sleep allows the body to rest and recover. While you sleep, the body is working hard to repair tissue, strengthen the immune system, and regulate hormones. While awake, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate mood and ensure proper energy levels. With the reduced daylight during winter, the body’s internal clock can be affected causing it to be difficult to stick to the same sleep schedule as the body had during the summer, so creating a consistent sleep routine to fix it is crucial to promoting overall health and well-being. 

Healthy Eating 

Eating healthy can have a major impact on many different parts of your life. It is important to know what you are feeding your body because your body uses the food to support your body and keep your body healthy. Healthy eating can help support the body’s immune system by providing essential nutrients to fight off illnesses that are common during the winter colds and flu. A healthier diet can also help maintain energy levels. The body needs varying nutritions that are different needs from other months because of the decrease in outdoor activities. 

Taking care of yourself is so important during the winter. Remind yourself that it is okay to take some time to take care of yourself and your mental health. Always remind yourself that you are important and you are one of a kind.