Feel Good Friday – Beating The Winter Blues

It’s another Feel Good Friday.  Every week we team up with the Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent – sharing things you can do to take of yourself, focusing on mental health and things you can do to help you FEEL GOOD.  Even when it’s hard.

This week we are focusing on beating the winter blues.

It’s this time of the year when many of us notice a shift in mood and find themselves lacking energy.   Yep.  I’m noticing the change.  Anybody else?  This week has been especially lacking in energy.  Me, my husband and kids.  All kinda “blah”.

Research in Ontario suggests that 15% of the general population experience these winter blues, which can include changes in appetite and lethargy.  And no, we can’t change the weather or amount of daylight, we can try and practice self-care to help us feel better.

What can we do?  4 tips from the CMHA –

TIP 1: Take a break from the news. Especially with everything going on in the world, a break in watching the news can help better manage our stress and sadness.

TIP 2: Boost your mood with FOOD. Foods high in vitamin D such as milk, orange juice and yogurt can help balance mood.

TIP 3: Keep up with your sleep routine. Try to follow a simple bed routine, expose yourself to some light when you wake up, and try not to use electronics in your bedroom!

TIP 4: Call on your support system! This might include friends and family members – CMHA Lambton Kent offers multiple programs and services for individuals and when you are needing a little more support, the First Response Team is available 24/7:

Chatham: 1-866-299-7447

Sarnia: 1-800-307-4319”

Categorised in: Afternoons Fridays

This post was written by Carrie Buchanan