Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
This winter season is going to be different for a lot of people because of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the virus, people have mostly been in their homes. There’s no doubt that this has led many to succumb to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder. To help combat these issues, we should exercise our minds, as well as our bodies, every day. Read on to learn about five mental health exercises that can be adopted into our daily routines, how these exercises can help us get through the winter season, and why they are beneficial to our overall well-being.
Engage in Morning Breathing and Stretching Exercises
Do you immediately reach for your phone when you wake up in the morning? Before you start checking your texts, take a moment to do some deep breathing and stretching exercises. Allowing yourself time to wake up gradually can enhance feelings of tranquility for your mind and body. Additionally, taking slow, deep breaths about 10 times a day can help put your mind at ease, especially when you develop feelings of tension.
Make Room for Physical Exercise
Along with stretching and breathing exercises, physical exercise can also benefit your mental health. Aerobic exercise is great for your heart, body, and mind, as it boosts your mood and energy and decreases feelings of isolation. Start by setting up a Zoom exercise meeting with your friends so you won’t feel alone in your new routine!
Spend Quality Time Outside
Spending time outdoors is also very important for your mental health. Your body and mind need a good dose of Vitamin D from the sun, as it is a strong mood booster and beneficial for your overall well-being. Take a walk in the park. Do some yard or gardening work. Build a snowman outside with your children. All of these activities can benefit your mental health during this critical winter season. As always, be sure to wear a mask before you head outside.
Express Your Feelings on Paper
Another great way to exercise your mind this winter is to start a journal. Jotting your feelings down on paper can help manage your mental health, no matter what you’re going through. Journaling can help you destress from life’s day-to-day problems, and can help you better identify and articulate your feelings. When you start to put your emotions into words, it can bring a sense of relief and the comfort that your mind needs.
It is especially important during this pandemic to engage in some form of writing. Journaling can help you cope with the stress and turmoil that the pandemic brings, and can help you stay positive during these turbulent times. Try journaling about different hobbies you may have picked up during the pandemic. If something is deeply bothering you, why not express the issue in your journal? Put your mind to work by starting a journal today.
Think About What You Eat
Because you really are what you eat, you may want to find assistance in maintaining a healthy diet. During the winter season, it can be hard for many to do this. This season in particular has caused many to indulge in more food. But if we follow our doctors’ recommendations and advice, we can potentially avoid this trend.
Add fruits and veggies into your diet. Eat plenty of food with lots of vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin B or C. It’s also important to leave a little room for some protein. All of these foods are essential in maintaining your mental health during this season.
Of course, when dealing with a mental health disorder you can always find help from us here at Step Up for Mental Health. Visit our website to fill out a form today.
