4 Ways to Embrace Winter’s Natural Calm for Better Mental Health

Winter can be a challenging time for mental health. The short days, long nights, and cold
weather often makes people feel sluggish, low, and gloomy compared to the sunnier and warmer summer months.

However, winter doesn’t have to be a season of depression! There is so much positive potential within the winter months to incorporate restful growth and development and learn how to embrace the natural lull of the colder months can prove beneficial to improving your mental health in ways that you may not have realized.

Here are four ways to embrace the winter season for better mental health:

1. Slow Down to Embrace Rest

Winter’s naturally slower pace of life can be a powerful ally to bettering your mental
health. Winter's natural lull often goes overlooked following summer, a season of fast-
paced fun and energy. However, intentionally embracing and syncing into the season’s
slower rhythm can offer many benefits, allowing for rest and recovery without any guilt.
When we shift our mindset from productivity to recuperation, we allow ourselves the
space to replenish our energy reserves. Try to use this time to be intentional about how
you want to rest and reset.

2. Cultivating Self-Awareness in Solitude

Winter’s quiet and stillness create a wonderful setting for self-reflection and solitude.
Nurturing both has been linked to improved mental health. When nature slows down, we
also do, too, and we’re provided the opportunity to look inward and engage in deep,
meaningful introspection. Turning inward can lead to emotional growth and a stronger
sense of self.
Questions to explore in solitude could include:

• Reflecting on personal values, achievements, and areas of growth within the past year
•  Seeing if you recognize any negative patterns that are keeping you stuck
•  Assessing the successes and challenges of the year and how to improve
• Setting realistic goals that are aligned with your desired areas of growth

3. Building Habits & Resetting Your Routine

The winter season is the perfect time to reset your routine and build in the new habits
you want to develop, especially around self-care. Without the abundance
of outdoor activities and distractions of the warmer seasons, winter offers a more stable
framework for sticking to intentional routines.

For one, fewer daylight hours can mean the expectation of a more consistent schedule,
which can make habit-building much easier. Setting a specific time for whatever self-
care habit you want to develop becomes easier as outdoor activities and social
engagements are naturally reduced. The amount of time that we stay indoors can also
encourage us to engage in activities that support our self-care, such as:

• Working on creative projects
     ● Cooking healthy meals
     ● Practicing yoga and mindfulness activities

4. Stay Connected with Others

While winter may encourage rest and introspection, staying connected with others is just
as important for maintaining our mental health this season. Social interaction provides
emotional support and community during a season that can usually be quite lonely or isolating.

Making an effort to maintain regular connections through phone calls or video
chats can have a positive impact on your mental well-being while still respecting the
space that wintertime can provide.

Winter’s quiet rhythm offers a unique opportunity for us to slow down and be intentional about how we want to end our year. Whatever this may look like for you, try to embrace the calmness of winter and use it to your advantage.

Want to take advantage of the season to its fullest? Consider checking out individual coaching/counseling with DrStem ([email protected])  to learn how you can develop your self-esteem and confidence, practice self-progression, and improve your mental health this winter.