Winter Blues and Anxiety

Hello! Winter is here! Many people are experiencing feelings of restlessness, racing thoughts, body anxiety, feeling down and sluggish, and difficulty sleeping. The last few weeks have been more difficult due to colder temperatures, less hours of sunlight, and the holidays not looking like normal holidays. A lot of people have also veered away from their typical schedule and routines which intensifies symptoms of anxiety and depression.

What are things that you have let slip from your day to day, or week to week? Are they things that are helpful to get back into your routine? What are small ways you can commit to bringing them back?

Some ideas that help me---

Getting outside. Even though it is cold and dark, I try and walk most mornings before doing anything else. The combination of movement and being outside helps my body feel more regulated.

I also eat a healthy breakfast every morning. Eating things that are healthy for your body is important for gut health which is linked to anxiety and depression. So if you notice feeling "not quite right" after eating certain things, consider limiting how much of that food you eat.

Hydrate! Drink lots of water to help your body cleanse and release toxins.

Stick to a routine. It is ok to have a day once in a while that you don't stick to a routine, but overall try to keep a routine most days. It doesn't have to be super rigid, but plan for certain times to be productive and certain times to have fun, enjoy, or relax. Food and hygiene (brushing your teeth, showering, etc.) also need to be part of that routine.

Sleep! Try to go to bed around the same time every night and keep things low key before bed. This can include a relaxing routine before bed so your body knows it is "wind down" time.

Incorporate music into your day. Playing a playlist or album you enjoy can also help your mood.

Be aware of how you feel during and after you engage in different activities. Limit activities that create more sadness or anxiety. Spend more time participating in activities that bring you joy or contentment.

If you notice that things still feel off, it might be time to check with a therapist or a doctor. And as always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thanks for reading and being in connection with me,

Steph