Why is mental health important?
If you’re struggling with seasonal mood changes, you’re not alone. With a lack of sunlight, many of us are deprived of the natural element that’s key to ensuring happiness and positivity.
We may be in the midst of winter, but that doesn’t mean we have to let the gloomy weather get the better of us. There are plenty of ways you can be more positive during this time of year – and in this blog, we’re sharing a few of our top tips:
Resist the Urge to Stay Inside
Why is mental health important? It’s a question many of us have been mulling over, and certainly a strong topic of discussion around this time of year.
It could be argued that there is no single reason here. But, it’s clear from experience that, if we’re experiencing poor mental health, we’re less likely to stick to healthy habits – which can, over time, lead to an unfavourable lifestyle.
When the weather is cold and gloomy, getting outside can seem like a mammoth and undesirable task. However, it’s at this time of year that we should be spending more time outside than ever. Sunlight may be minimal, but exposure to fresh air will always do wonders for our oxygen levels, boosting overall bodily functioning whilst cleansing the mind.
Try to head out for a stroll each day – even if, initially, it’s only for five minutes. You’ll likely find that, the more you push yourself to go for a run/walk, the more you’ll crave it – and after a few weeks, it’ll go from a daunting task to a part of your daily routine.
You may not feel any long-term effects immediately, but you’ll certainly feel more refreshed and awake upon your return, giving you a burst of energy for the rest of your day.
Make Plans With Your Friends and Family
During the winter months, you may find that your close circle of friends and family prefer to stay at home. It’s hardly surprising, since short days and cold nights are undesirable for most of us.
If you find that you are feeling a little lonely, call a friend and make some plans for the future. You could arrange a cosy movie night at home, or make plans for the spring/summer months when the weather is warmer. Either way, you’ll have a fun activity to look forward to – and you can remind yourself of this if you’re feeling a little down.
Nourish Your Body With Warming, Seasonal Dishes
Whilst the winter season is still here, it’s a good idea to make the most of seasonal produce. Root vegetables thrive at this time of year, so why not grab a selection and make a delicious, heartwarming soup?
Try this recipe for a comforting and nutritious pick-me-up. If you’ve got a little extra time, you could have a go at making your own healthy wholemeal loaf recipe to enjoy as an accompaniment.
Make Time For Your Favourite Activities
Life can be incredibly busy – particularly when you’re working, caring for others and running a house. When tackling these responsibilities on a daily basis, you may feel that you don’t have much time for yourself.
No matter how busy you are, though, it’s important to ensure that you make time for the activities you love – regardless of the time of year. During winter, though, many of us are more vulnerable to low mood and stress – so it becomes particularly important to enjoy yourself whenever you can.
Whether you’ve got a day off work, or you simply have half an hour to spare, take some time to indulge in a positive activity that brings you joy. Whether that’s baking a batch of cupcakes or painting by numbers, relaxing activities are always worth your while.
Why is Mental Health Important? Finding Your Why
Before you begin with any self-care technique, don’t forget to think about why it’s important to you. Perhaps you’re working towards a personal goal – whether that’s taking more time to relax, adopting a more positive mindset or building your self-confidence.
Ask yourself: ‘Why is mental health important?’ before starting your activity, and think about the ways that it can help you achieve your goal.
At MACC Care, we’re passionate about ensuring that our activities are centred around boosting our residents’ mental health.
Why not take a look at our Facebook page to discover some of our residents’ favourite hobbies?
Alternatively, if you’d like to find out more about our care, please don’t hesitate to browse our website or get in touch with a member of our team.
