For many, the dreary winter months can take a toll. Are there alternatives to anxiety medication that can help? Fortunately, there are many small, relatively steps you can take to care for your mental health. In fact, these five tips can boost your mood even when the weather outside is frightful.
1. Stay Active
Exercise is excellent for your physical and mental health. While it may not be practical to go hiking or do other high-intensity outdoor activities during the winter, you can still get the benefits by visiting the gym or working out at home.
What if you’re not big on exercise? Moving your body, even in small increments, is better than being sedentary. If a full workout isn’t appealing, consider these alternatives:
- Putting on your favorite music and dancing
- Doing yard maintenance
- Deep cleaning the house
2. Mindfulness and Relaxation
Anxiety is a common issue during the winter months for a variety of reasons:
- Stress from holiday obligations
- Difficulty with family
- More overcast days
Non prescription anxiety meds may help alleviate symptoms. However, it’s also a good idea to create coping strategies that work alongside medication. Mindfulness is one of the most useful tools in your toolbox since it brings your mind back to the present and soothes the fight-or-flight response. There are countless mindfulness techniques to choose from:
- Write in a journal.
- Do a deep breathing exercise.
- Take a short walk.
- Scan your body and note all sensations.
3. Connect Your Support System
Support systems are essential to managing your mental health, especially during difficult times. Humans are social animals and long for connection, so fight the urge to isolate. If you have friends and family nearby, schedule a standing appointment for lunch or coffee each week. If you live far away, consider video chatting or keeping a group chat open.
Loneliness is increasingly common as adults struggle to make friends, so it’s OK if you don’t have a close inner circle. The internet has made it much easier to find like-minded people on message boards and social media. You can also form connections by attending local events, attending church and taking hobby classes.
4. Spend Time Outdoors
When weather permits, spend some time outdoors. The fresh air can be invigorating, and natural sunlight offers a variety of benefits:
- Boosts mood
- Improves focus
- Helps with sleep hygiene
Just a quick walk around the neighborhood or sitting in your backyard for a few minutes can make a difference.
5. Take Time for Yourself
Since many holidays fall during the winter, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. With so much to do, you may forget to take time for yourself. However, self-care is vital to mental health, so set aside time for something that makes you feel good:
- Take a bubble bath
- Read a good book
- Listen to your favorite song
- Stretch
Finding the right approach to managing anxiety symptoms takes some trial and error. If one technique doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to try another. You may also find success in combining approaches, such as using lapine s-100 immune globulin in conjunction with mindfulness practice.
