by Jenna Ranney, Product Specialist
Mental health and wellness are always important to think about, but this winter might be harder than most for a lot of us. If you’ve been feeling less motivated, engaged, or excited during the last few weeks, you’re certainly not alone. Winter of 2020 has brought the perfect storm of seasonal depression, a stressful election season, end of year school and work stress, and a worsening pandemic leading back into stricter lockdown.
The lack of daylight and stress of the holiday season is enough to make the winter a tough time in a normal year, but the added fears and anxieties of the pandemic and the lack of social support has so many of us struggling more with mental health than ever.
An important thing to remember in the coming weeks is that you are not alone. You are not the only one feeling down or out of touch, and you have plenty of people in your life who can offer love and support through whatever you’re dealing with - and they might need a phone call from you as much as you do! Physical distance from loved ones this season doesn’t have to mean emotional distance - try your best to reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while or who always makes you smile!
You might be spending more time in the house than usual - between the cold weather, lack of sunshine, and quarantine measures - so this might be a great time to take up a new hobby! Challenge yourself to do something you’ve always wanted to do - learn an instrument, take up knitting, or try a new recipe! Even something as simple as finally renting that movie you’ve been meaning to watch can add a little excitement to your day. Remember, it’s the little things that make a big difference.
If you’re having a particularly hard time this winter, please know that there is nothing wrong with needing a little help. Reach out to parents, loved ones, teachers, coworkers, or anyone in your life that can offer you support. There are also some incredible resources available online, like those found at https://www.nami.org/help. This winter might be a stressful time, but please remember to always put yourself and your health first!