As the winter season sets in, colder temperatures and reduced daylight can impact our overall well-being and mood. The shift in weather often challenges our mental health, with Seasonal Affective Disorder becoming more prevalent during these months. The combination of chilly days and extended darkness may lead to decreased social interactions, reluctance to leave home, and diminished connections with loved ones.
Engaging in activities that typically enhance well-being, such as exercising and traveling, can become more challenging due to the winter blues. The struggle to find motivation for these activities may result in feelings of loneliness, isolation, and helplessness. Recognizing these challenges underscores the significance of prioritizing self-care during the winter months.
By actively focusing on self-care practices, individuals can better manage their mental and emotional states. Addressing the unique challenges posed by winter, such as limited daylight and colder weather, becomes crucial in maintaining a balanced and positive mindset. Embracing self-care rituals during this season is essential for nurturing one's health and well-being, ensuring a more resilient and enjoyable winter experience.
What they're saying
College of Nursing professors, Dr. Beverly Baliko, Teresa Bowers, Dr. Phyllis Raynor and Dr. Lori Vick shared ways to practice self-care during winter:
- Limit time on social media - the negativity can be contagious and a lot of it is based on misinformation, which is not always easy to identify.
- Check in with yourself. Self-assess -- what have you done today to take care of you?
- Establish at least one meaningful social connection that would serve as a support in times when you feel challenged. We are truly "better together."
- Exercise/move - even if it's just getting up and moving around for a few minutes every hour or so. You can even set a reminder.
- Get adequate sleep. It doesn't matter how much you study if you're not helping your brain to reset with some sleep.
- Stay hydrated with water.