As we come to the end of summer…I know it happened, as always, way too soon…it is the perfect time to start preparing yourself for winter. Many people experience an increase in anxiety or a slump in their mood during the winter months.
I am not saying don’t enjoy the extra sunshine now (which has been shown to boost mood), and all the opportunities for outdoor exercise (a great way to manage anxiety). But I see it happen every year. People who may experience a slump in their mood, or increase in their anxiety during the winter months, ecstatically throw themselves into the relief offered by the summer months and forget all about those darker days.
It is wonderful to enjoy summer and helpful for the future to do a little winter mental health prep now so that the winter months are more enjoyable.
Now is the time to start preparing yourself for the winter.
That might sound like a lot of work. Not really. It is just a matter of mindfulness and a little preparation. People often start great habits in the summer. They exercise more, they may have more energy to start a hobby or practice self-care.
Think about the things you are implementing now and how you can keep them going, perhaps with some modification, during the winter.
For example, if you started exercising to support your mental health during the summer perhaps you think about what exercises you can also do indoors during the winter months.
Yoga is a great year-round activity and an awesome stress and anxiety reliever. Perhaps you plan to invest in an exercise bike for the winter. If you like to swim in the summer, make sure you find an indoor pool for the winter. Another great year-round activity to incorporate now is meditation.
If you felt motivated to start a new hobby this summer, think about something that you can also do year-round such as painting, crafts, cooking or writing. Also think about how to modify outdoor activities indoors. If you like to garden in the summer, perhaps you invest in some grow lights for indoor plants in the winter.
It can feel easier to develop new habits in the summer. Take advantage of this energy now to create a plan for when you might experience a slump in energy or increase in anxiety in the winter.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a mental health professional. For those in Colorado and Wyoming, I provide in person and online therapy in Colorado and online therapy for folks in Wyoming. Call me for a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation.
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