Heading into winter, the days are only due to get shorter and colder. This can have a significant effect on mental health and mood. The new government restrictions limiting activities to fight COVID-19, can also affect your wellbeing. Some may say that the weather helped back in March’s lockdown, but November’s lockdown has a disadvantage in terms of weather. Making sure you stay on top of your wellbeing is key to getting through the winter and lockdown 2.0.
Here are some tips to support with your winter wellbeing.
Limit your news intake
The news is often a constant source of bad news and limiting the amount of news and social media you read can really help.
Take ‘me’ time
Make sure to take time each day for you, however you relax, use this time for you. Making sure you have ‘me’ time can really help improve wellbeing.
Stay in touch
Make sure you stay in touch with those closest to you, even though it may be difficult to see people in person now, just getting on the phone can really help boost your mood and may improve theirs.
Use coping strategies
Identify some strategies that work for you to help you manage and deal with your stress, anxiety or worries. Coping strategies can really help you focus on what you’ve got to do.
Have a plan
Having a plan can really help you focus on the tasks you need to complete, it can also bring a sense of pleasure and achievement when you are able to tick things off your plan.
Lend a helping hand
Helping others can provide you with some positive emotions, whether it’s helping around the house or helping out a friend it can improve how you feel.
Stay active
When working from home it is very easy to sit at your desk all day and not move, however making sure you are staying active is extremely important both for your wellbeing and for your health. There are many ways to do this for example going for a walk or run or even doing a home workout routine.
Get support
If you find you are struggling, reach out to those around you, whether that be family, friends or a local mental health charity or doctor, there are many ways to get the help you need.