As February rolls along, the lack of sunshine and bone-chilling temperatures, can lead to a dip in your mood. For many these winter blues pass with the season and don’t significantly interfere with daily life. However, for many others these experiences may feel more difficult, especially coupled with the ongoing pandemic.
Fortunately, there are some simple actions you can take to help warm your mood.
Get Back to the Basics
When thinking about re-establishing our baselines, review how you are meeting your basic needs and adjust accordingly. Are you eating regularly and healthfully? Remember to stay hydrated. Aim to go to bed and arise around the same time, allowing for 7-9 hours of sleep. Keep moving. Whether it be quick walks throughout the day, light stretching, completing a free exercise video online, or going somewhere to workout, try do something each day.
Maximize Your Sun Time
Be sure to soak up as much sun as you can during winter. This may be getting outside at lunch or setting up your workstation near a window. Consider going for an evening walk if you can and be sure to maximize this on days you have off.
Stay Consistently Connected
Find ways to remain engaged with friends and family. Depending on your circumstances and needed precautions, determine whether you wish to do things in person or virtual. The important thing is to be consistent. So consider scheduling weekly gatherings to do things you enjoy - Go for coffee or tea. Get in your daily steps by taking walks with friends. Simply schedule a regular phone call. Anything that you enjoy doing with others!
Take Breaks
Time outs from work are important. Try to infuse a fun, light activity over lunch such as reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching something humorous. Be sure to step away from your office or workspace when doing these activities to help “turn off.” Consider multiple brief breaks throughout the day. Instead of following the news or checking social media hourly, set aside specific time for you to review, not too long, and not just before bed.
Need More Support? We’re Here for You!
If you try these tips and still find yourself feeling persistently sad or not enjoying activities, consider speaking with a counselor. When these feelings endure and impact you daily, you could be experiencing what is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Professional counselors are available for confidential support. If you work on an academic campus, contact the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office at 734-936-8660 or [email protected]. If you work at Michigan Medicine, contact the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience at 734-763-5409 or [email protected].
