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- Seasonal Wellness
Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health—one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is Seasonal Wellness, a gentle reminder to align our self-care routines with the changing seasons. Let's explore how embracing these shifts can nurture our well-being.
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One relevant recommendation:
Create a Seasonal Self-Care Ritual: As the seasons change, so do our moods, habits, and energy levels. Create small rituals to adapt and thrive. With winter approaching, we can build “Winter Warmth” which can focus on starting your day with a warm beverage and 10 minutes of light stretching to combat the cold.
Two quotes on Beauty, Comfort Zones, and Seasons:
Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher asserts the need to endure unpleasant feelings to grow out of our comfort zone:
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold."
Mary Oliver, an American poet, beautifully reflects on seasons:
“To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.”
Three TherapyShorts from TST
Seek Sunlight Actively: Sunlight plays a vital role in mental and physical health by boosting serotonin, which regulates mood. It also stimulates vitamin D production and regulates circadian rhythms, thereby improving sleep patterns and increasing energy levels and focus. These benefits make sunlight exposure a key component of well-being, especially during the darker months of the year.
Honour Seasonal Shifts in Energy Levels: It's okay to feel sluggish in winter or energised in summer. For instance, instead of forcing high-energy workouts in colder months, try gentler practices like yoga or walks to stay aligned with how your body feels. Moreover, ensure you are getting quality sleep, which is crucial during the winter months when the body naturally needs more downtime.
Practice Mindful Movement: Mindful movement, such as yoga, stretching, or gentle walking, can significantly support mental and physical well-being, especially during this time of year. As the body becomes more sedentary during colder months, these practices help promote the production of endorphins, release built-up tension, reduce stress, and improve circulation, combating feelings of sluggishness often exacerbated by winter. They allow us to remain present, offering emotional grounding during a time when mood shifts are more likely due to reduced sunlight and the weather.
A QUESTION?
Which practices help you improve sleep during the winter months when days are shorter?
Our most popular answer last week for the question what do you find most challenging about ghosting was... *(drumroll please)* - closure.
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
PS: Winter me
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