Even though the longest month of the year is finally over – many people are still unhappy with the remaining time left of the most unpopular season: Winter. If you’re among the majority of winter haters, here is How to Improve Your Mental Health During Winter.

How to Improve Your Mental Health During Winter
Winter is an underrated season during which many people (and animals) fly south to avoid. With less sunlight and more illnesses, what is there to love about winter? In my opinion, there is something extra special about the quietest season of the year. The fresher air, the absence of bugs, the calming stillness, and the ability to just slow down – it is all very comforting to me. I know, I know, …. I am one of very few people who enjoys the winter despite its’ negative qualities.
As a mental health advocate, it doesn’t go without saying that winter can be a very difficult season for many people. “Cold, dark weather can have a real impact on our mood,” said American Psychiatric Association President Rebecca W. Brendel, M.D., J.D. “Especially in northern areas of the country, where winter lasts for several months, it’s important to keep tabs on our mood and to seek help if sadness or other symptoms become overwhelming.”
5 Ways to Stay Positive During Winter
If you are among the people who have trouble staying positive during winter, do not fret. It is possible to lift your mood during the dark and cold months! Looking for a place to start improving your mental health? Here are 5 Ways to Stay Positive During Winter.
Exercise – It’s common knowledge that people who exercise regularly feel better, less stressed, and more relaxed. There are countless ways to stay active during the winter, both indoors and outdoors. The most important thing you can do is just move! Sedentary behavior is likely to exaggerate mood problems and depressed mood contributes to greater sedentary behavior, leading to a cycle of declining mental health.
Socialize – Try to avoid the urge to hibernate during the winter and socialize with others. The latest Healthy Minds Monthly Poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) finds that, early in 2024, 30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day. When people are socially connected to others, they are better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression. (source).
Spend Time Outdoors (bonus if you can find the sun) – Many people avoid the outdoors during winter because it’s often too cold and perpetually cloudy. Spending time outdoors is healing as it naturally reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Bonus if you can find the sun’s rays because just 10 to 15 minutes a day can trigger the release of serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter, and help combat seasonal affective disorder.
Practice Hygge – or embrace positivity and enjoyment in everyday experiences. Hygge, pronounced hyoo-guh, is a Danish word that loosely translates to “comfort” and broadly means an approach to living that embraces positivity and enjoyment of everyday experience. According to Meik Wiking, hygee is a survival strategy for Nordic countries. Wiking is the CEO at The Happiness Research Institute and New York Times bestselling author of “The Little Book of Hygge.”
Put YourSELF First – While this can feed like a loaded statement, it’s actually pretty simple. Taking care of your mind, body, and soul should be a top priority in everyone’s life (not just during winter). Drink water, eat well, sleep enough, MOVE your body, and stay connected. Be mindful of negative thoughts and look for the good in the bad.
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