With the cold weather settling in, the days are getting shorter, and we’re spending more time indoors. While there are plenty of things to look forward to throughout the colder months, it’s also a time when we feel the effects of reduced sunlight which can impact our mood. We believe taking care of yourself is integral to being successful in every facet of your life. So, we’ve put together 5 self-care tips to help you stay positive, motivated, and taken care of this season.

Bundle up and head outdoors

It may be cold, and you may need to put on a few extra layers, but spending time outdoors has proven benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. Going for a short 15-minute walk each day can boost your energy, improve your mood, and help you sleep better at night.

Southern Ontario’s hiking trails are beautiful year-round, and many of them allow activities such as cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. Take the kids or meet up with friends for outdoor fun all winter long!

Limit exposure to negative media

Last winter was tough for everyone, and while it’s important to stay informed, you should try to prevent being overwhelmed by what’s going on in the news.

If you tend to be particularly affected by negative news stories, try to limit your exposure to only a short time each day. If you do find yourself feeling upset afterward, follow it up with something uplifting, like your favorite TV show or a good book.

Balance is everything—don’t completely shut out the world’s issues, but don’t get trapped in a negative mental state either.

Get more home care and self-care tips here:

Start journaling

Journaling has become quite popular over the last few years, as people are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining their mental health and wellbeing.

Try to start a gratitude journal or stream of consciousness journal to help center yourself and calm your anxiety. You can spend as little as 5 minutes a day and still experience a multitude of benefits, including helping you shift the narrative in your head from negative to positive. Try it for yourself!

Keep a regular sleep schedule

Sleep is imperative when it comes to your mental health, but with reduced hours of sunlight, it can be tempting to stay cozy in our beds and end up oversleeping. Both oversleeping and undersleeping have negative side effects on mental and physical health, so establishing a routine is key to maintaining a positive headspace.

To keep a regular sleep-wake cycle, make sure you go to sleep and wake up at the same time (or close to) every day, including weekends. Try to avoid napping throughout the day, as it can disrupt your sleep schedule. To help get energized in the morning, try sleeping with the blinds open and rise with the sun!

Socialize

During the cold months, we can sometimes end up hiding away indoors and become a bit reclusive. However, it’s important to maintain social relationships with the people close to you, specifically those outside your household.

Our two cents

When you’re feeling down, it’s natural to want to isolate yourself from others. But spending time with family, friends, and members of your community is a sure way to lighten your mood.

There are plenty of ways to stay positive and motivated, even while there’s snow on the ground. We encourage you to follow all or some of these tips to keep your spirits high until the days are long and warm once again!

If you are in need of mental health support, please utilize the resources below.