5 Mental Health Exercises You Should Be Doing This Winter

This winter season will probably be different for several people due to the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the virus, individuals have mostly experienced their homes. It looks like this has led many to succumb to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder. To assist combat these issues, we should exercise the brain, as well as the body, every day. Continue reading to learn about five mental health exercises that can be adopted into our daily routines, how these exercises might help us get through the winter season, and why they are good for our overall well-being.

Engage in Morning Breathing and Stretching Exercises

Do you immediately take your phone whenever you wake up in the morning? Before you begin checking your texts, take the time to complete a breathing and stretches. Allowing yourself time to wake up gradually can enhance feelings of tranquility for the mind and body. Additionally, taking slow, deep breaths about 10 times a day might help place your mind at ease, especially when you develop feelings of tension.

Make Room for Physical Exercise

Along with stretching and breathing exercises, physical exercise may also benefit your mental health. Aerobic exercise is great for your heart, body, and mind, as it boosts your mood and energy and decreases feelings of isolation. Start by setting up a Zoom exercise ending up in your pals which means you won't feel alone in your new routine!

Spend Time Outside

Spending time outdoors can also be very important for your mental health. Your body and mind require a good dose of Vitamin D from the sun, because it is a powerful mood booster and good for your overall well-being. Take a walk in the park. Do some yard or gardening work. Develop a snowman outside with your children. Many of these activities can benefit your mental health in this critical winter months. As always, be sure to wear a mask before you head outside.

Express Your Feelings on Paper

Another great way to exercise your mind this winter is to begin a journal. Jotting your emotions down on paper might help manage your mental health, regardless of what you're going through. Journaling can help you destress from life's day-to-day problems, and may assist you to better identify and articulate your emotions. When you start to put your emotions into words, it can bring a sense of relief and the comfort that the mind needs.

It is especially important in this pandemic to engage in some type of writing. Journaling will help you cope with the stress and turmoil that the pandemic brings, and can make you stay positive during these turbulent times. Try journaling about different hobbies you may have acquired during the pandemic. If something is deeply troubling you, why don't you express the issue inside your journal? Put your mind to work by starting a journal today.

Think About What You Eat

Because you're really what you eat, you may want to find assistance in maintaining a healthy diet. During the winter season, it's not easy for a lot of to get this done. This year particularly has caused many to indulge in more food. But if we follow our doctors' recommendations and advice, we can potentially avoid this trend.

Add fruits and vegetables into your diet. Eat plenty of food with a lot of vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin B or C. It's also important to leave a little room for many protein. All of these foods are essential in maintaining your mental health during this season.

Of course, when dealing with a mental health disorder you could seek help from us at Step-up for Mental Health. Visit our website to complete an application today.