Thriving in 2022 Beating the Winter Blues

TopCity Rise Thriving in 2022: Ways to Avoid Winter Blues

By: Sarah Lundeen, Restored Counseling Services, LLC

One reason I love living in Kansas is the changing seasons. However, as a mental health professional, I understand that the winter months can be especially hard. Here are a few tips to help you not only survive but thrive this winter season.

Find the Light ~ Starting the new year off with short, cold days can be enough to get you down. Taking steps to “find the light” physically and mentally may help ease seasonal lows. Taking a walk around the block or sitting by the window are simple ways to increase light exposure. Light therapy through the use of light boxes is another form of treatment found effective. Taking a Vitamin D supplement also helps counteract the lack of natural rays. Finally, remembering that sunny days are ahead is a great way to boost hope and appreciate the beauty of winter, as “For everything there is a season”, Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Get Moving ~ Studies show that daily exercise improves mood, energy, and sleep, not to mention a healthy immune system. Talk about a bang for your buck! Embrace the form of movement that works best with your body (running, walking, yoga), and the one you are most likely to enjoy! Please note, it is important to consult with your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

Stay Connected ~ As beautiful as it can be, winter can quickly begin to feel long, dreary, and isolating. People are created for connection. Being intentional in scheduling time to talk, smile, and laugh with a loved one will not only fill up your love tank, but it will give you something to look forward to in the week. Even if you can’t get together in person, a phone call, facetime, writing letters, or just smiling at someone in passing are all great ways to stay connected this season.

Reach Out ~ Feeling down occasionally is very normal. However, if you notice that you, or someone is struggling with more serious symptoms of depression, please reach out to a friend, family member, or primary care physician for help in getting connected with a mental health For more details on the information included in this article, here are a few resources: professional available in our amazing community. We can do hard things together.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications /depression https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/indepth/seasonal-affective-disordertreatment/art-20048298 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P MC1470658/