Mental Health Self Care Tips for Seasonal Change

The changing seasons can be a beautiful time of year, but it can also be a time when many people experience changes in their mental health. The shorter days, colder weather, and holiday stress can all contribute to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression.

If you're struggling with your mental health during the changing seasons, there are a few things you can do to take care of yourself.

• Talk to someone you trust. It can be helpful to talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or other trusted person about how you're feeling. Talking about your feelings can help you to process them and to feel less alone.

• Get regular exercise. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and to reduce stress. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can also help to improve your mood and to reduce stress. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine and alcohol. Instead, focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for mental and physical health. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

• Spend time in nature. Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting creativity.

• Do something you enjoy. It's important to make time for activities that you enjoy, even when you're feeling stressed or down. Doing something you enjoy can help to improve your mood and to give you a sense of purpose.

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful during the changing seasons:

• Get some sunlight. Sunlight exposure helps to regulate your circadian rhythm and to boost your mood. If you live in a place with short days during the winter, try to get outside for at least 30 minutes each day, even if it's cloudy. You may also want to consider using a light therapy lamp.

• Stay connected with your loved ones. Social support is important for mental health. Make time to connect with your loved ones in person, over the phone, or online.

• Set realistic expectations. Don't try to do too much during the holidays. Set realistic expectations for yourself and for others.

• Take breaks. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a break from whatever you're doing and do something that you enjoy.

If you're struggling to cope with your mental health during the changing seasons, please reach out for help. East Mental Health Counseling has caring therapists who would love to meet with you.