Beating the Winter Blues: Embracing Joy in the Chilly Season
June 20, 2023
As winter casts its icy spell upon us, it is not uncommon to experience a sense of melancholy and fatigue commonly known as the “winter blues.” The shorter days, longer nights, and colder temperatures can take a toll on our mood and our overall well-being.
Last year, I was deeply affected by the winter blues during my entire year-long experience of winter. In 2021, while in my home country, the chilliness began early in October and by the end of the month, winter had set in. Shortly after, in February 2022, I arrived in Melbourne, where the days were already becoming cold. The frigid Antarctic winds were completely new to me, and it was far from being a pleasant experience. To make matters worse, summer didn’t arrive in Melbourne until November, leaving me with a full year of winter. It was a truly challenging time, especially considering my fondness for the summer season. It was during that time that I found out about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during winter, also known as winter depression or winter blues.
However, I refused to give up or succumb to the gloomy grip of the season. If you struggle with winter blues like me then luckily for us, there are several ways in which we can fight this and embrace the joys that this chilly season can offer.
Embrace Natural Light
With the days growing shorter, it’s crucial to maximize exposure to natural light. Open your curtains or blinds during the day to let in as much sunlight as possible. Very often, I would keep my blinds open even during the night so that I wake up to the beautiful sun shining right through my window. If feasible, take a walk outside during daylight hours to soak up some vitamin D and release some serotonin, which can significantly boost your mood and energy levels.
Stay Active
Another way I kept myself from succumbing to the gloomy days was by staying active. Physical activity is a proven mood booster and can help combat the winter blues very well. Engaging in regular exercise help release those feel-good endorphins, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. I started playing tennis last winter and it helped me so well in brightening my days. I even continued my yoga practice, and I often made my friends practice with me. It is such a simple way of fighting the winter blues by just finding an activity you enjoy, whether it is joining a gym, practising yoga, dancing, or simply taking brisk walks in the crisp winter air. Not only will exercise enhance our overall well-being, but it will also keep us warm and energized during the colder months. As the saying goes; two birds, one stone.
Don’t Forget to Socialise
Winter often tempts us to hibernate indoors, but this is something we must fight against. Isolation can worsen feelings of sadness and loneliness, which is why making a conscious effort to stay connected with loved ones will help us against these gloomy feelings. Plan social activities such as movie nights, game evenings, or hotpot dinners with friends and family. If physical gatherings are not possible, utilize technology to connect virtually. Regular social interactions can provide a much-needed boost to your emotional well-being and create lasting memories. Back in my hometown in Assam, we have this beautiful culture of going to picnics during the daylight hours and gathering around a bonfire after dark every single day with our friends and family. This is one of the reasons why winter never felt gloomy in Assam, social interactions and the amazing memories made winters absolutely beautiful.
Winter Activities
Furthermore, every season has distinct activities that cannot be enjoyed in other seasons. Likewise, winter too has heaps of unique opportunities for enjoyment. Embrace the charms of this chilly season by participating in winter activities. Go skiing, build snowmen, have a snowball fight, or go sledding. Additionally, do not forget to relish the pleasures of winter cuisine, such as sipping lots of hot chocolate by the fireplace or indulging in comforting soups and stews.
While winter blues may seem inevitable, it is important to remember that we have the power to overcome them and find joy even during the coldest months. By embracing natural light, staying active, nurturing social connections, and embracing winter activities, you can transform the winter season into a time of warmth, happiness, and rejuvenation. So, let us say goodbye to the winter blues and welcome the beauty and wonder that this beautiful season brings.
Remember that winters might not be easy, but we can make it worth it.
Blog by: Priya Saikia
On this year's World Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day, we explore the importance of early intervention and seeking the right support for the youngest people in our society.
The 7th of April brings around World Mental Health Day once again! Health is a broad topic that can be overwhelming and intimidating to many people, making it seem hard to maintain on top of your work, social life, and family duties. However, there are 5 healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sleep like it’s a priority! Health and sleep go hand in hand, and to feel your best you need to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep allows your body to rest and recharge for the following day, boosting both your physical and mental health. To ensure your get a good night’s rest, consider creating a sleep pattern where you go to sleep and wake up at the same every day. While it’s tempting to scroll on your phone or binge watch TV, sticking to a sleep routine helps your body get into a pattern and boosts your mood. Prep like a meal master Healthy meals are time consuming to make, and takeout often feels like the easiest solution after a long day’s work. This is great occasionally; however, they do lack the nutrients your body needs which is where meal prepping comes in! Meal prepping just once a week allows you to keep on track of eating healthy lunches and dinners, boosting both your physical and mental wellbeing, as a balanced diet is linked to improving mood and boosting energy. Sweat in snippets! A full body workout everyday can be overwhelming, but the trick is not to focus on getting in a 2-hour workout every day! Instead aim for 10 minutes here and there, like walking on your lunch breaks or stretching in between work tasks. Even wearing ankle weights while cooking will allow you to be exercising while doing daily tasks! Working out in small bursts is a good way to maintain your physical health and is also seen to boost your mood. Drink up buttercup! Aim to drink a litre of water a day. It’s a simple task that’s easy to forget, but a simple trick is to take a sip every time you pick up your phone. This creates a habit of drinking water every time you’re scrolling on TikTok or texting someone and will help you reach your hydration goal. It’s important to drink water as it helps maintain a healthy body and maintain its functions, so it’s time to drink up buttercup! Pause and breathe If you’re busy working all day, it’s easy to forget to check in with yourself. To solve this problem, set health breaks on your phone that will remind you every few hours. Take just 5 minutes to step away - go for a quick walk or pause to breathe and recharge. It’s a simple way to look after your wellbeing throughout the day and get you moving a little bit, so you’re not stuck in same spot all day. Good Wellbeing Starts Today With such a busy schedule, maintaining your health can be an afterthought. However, these 5 healthy habits aim to incorporate looking after one’s physical and mental health into your daily routine. Download the Supportive Mind app to prioritise your wellbeing In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for yourself can be tough. The Supportive Mind is here to change that. With features designed to help you stay active, track your mood, and access personalised wellness resources, our app is the perfect companion to ensure your mental and physical health come first. Download today: https://www.mhfa.org.au/supportive-mind By Jamie Speight
On the 2nd of April, we come together to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day. As many people in our community with Autism, it is important to understand how you can support someone to make them feel comfortable. World Autism Understanding Day is not only about understanding Autism but also taking actions to be a supportive person to those around you. What is Autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment, according to Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). People who have Autism may have different preferences regarding social interactions, a heightened sensory awareness, have different communication preferences compared to neurotypical people, have many strengths, and are honest, loyal, and kind people. This year's World Autism Understanding Day is delivered in partnership with communities to create a supportive and more inclusive society so people with Autism can feel more comfortable navigating the world. By creating more understanding about Autism, we can challenge myths and misconceptions regarding Autism to create meaningful changes so Autistic people can have the same opportunities and support as everyone else. Common Myths and Misconceptions Autism only affects males - Autism can affect any gender. Whilst males are most commonly diagnosed, females are often diagnosed at a later point in life. People with Autism lack empathy – Autistic people do experience all emotions including empathy; however, they may show and regulate empathy differently compared to neurotypical people. Autistic people are anti-social – Just like everyone, Autistic people still desire social connections and want to create meaningful relationships. Whilst sometimes social interactions and situations can be challenging for Autistic people, this does not mean they do not want to socialise and create connections. Ways to support people with Autism It is important to understand that people with Autism may experience the world differently compared to neurotypical people. By showing you care for and are willing to support Autistic people, you can help them to feel more comfortable within society and themselves. Encourage inclusivity in group settings – Make sure to make invites to group activities clear to Autistic people. Take some time to explain to them what is going to happen to make sure they feel comfortable. Do not force any social interactions but instead help them feel at ease within any group setting. Keep things clear and simple – Sometimes people on the Autism spectrum take things to heart or have difficulty picking up on social cues. Keep your communication clear and your language direct, and do not be disheartened if they are repeating things you have said to them, they are just trying to make sure that they understood what you said correctly. Respect personal space – Individuals on the autism spectrum may have different preferences regarding personal space and touch. It is important to communicate and ask people with Autism their preferences and always ask for consent before initiating any physical contact. Make sure to be mindful of any physical boundaries and do not be disheartened if they say no, they’ll appreciate you asking and listening to what their preferences are. Watch out for overwhelming situations – People on the Autism spectrum can get overwhelmed by sights, sounds, and smells, especially within a busy or large place due to their heightened sensory awareness. Be sure to look out for this, and if this happens try to move them to somewhere less overwhelming so they can have some time to process their surroundings. Create a safe space for them where they feel comfortable talking about their desires and needs, so they can be their authentic selves. Adjustments can include dimming lights and reducing background noise, which can help people with Autism to feel safe and secure again. With a better understanding of what Autism is and how to support within your community, you can help to make them feel more comfortable and have the same opportunities as neurotypical people. Importantly, while we continue to celebrate World Autism Understanding Day, make sure to continue to understand and support individuals with autism every day of the year to make a more inclusive and comfortable world. By Holly Johns
