5 Easy Ways To Practice Self-Care During Autumn & Winter.
This time of year is the hardest for me in terms of coping with my Mental Health and I know I'm not alone. A lot of people really struggle with depression, anxiety and S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder) this time of year which means that self-care becomes a huge priority in getting through these darker months. It's no surprise when it is pitch dark outside by 5pm, meaning your day is shorter and the weather isn't always too pleasant either.
I know it's really difficult for me this time of year so already self-care has become a ritual I'm doing every single day. It's something we should all practice anyway, I have felt quite overwhelmed recently so I practice what I preach and have spent the last couple of hours diving into a book, writing my worry diary and listening to some meditation music. I wanted to share with you 5 easy ways to practice self-care during these tougher months in the hope it'll inspire your evenings to do something for you this time of year.
The best place to begin self-care is to note a day in your diary every other day of the week where you'll be taking some time, I usually say an hour or two to do your self-care. Turn off your phone or mute the notifications for a while and find a quiet, comforting place in your home. Mine is a toss between my bed or the sofa.
L I S T E N T O M E D I T A T I O N M U S I C.
As much as I would say that sticking on your latest TV show fave, a film or a documentary I'd urge you to listen to meditation music. My CBT therapist recommended that I listen to 432 Hz Frequency music on YouTube to help combat my negative thoughts. She told me that this music affects brain frequency in a positive way and is good for anxiety so it's something I have become accustomed to listening to when I'm taking some time out for myself. It's incredibly calming and doesn't give me a headache.
G E T S O M E F R E S H A I R.
I'm in no doubt that one of the best things for your mental health is the great outdoors and I would urge you to get the most out of it, even in the colder months. Spending time in the outdoors has been found to improve anxiety and depression. It can definitely help those with SAD, natural light is really positive for people suffering from that too, you can read more about it on Mind's website here. If you are in possession of a dog then they are recommended two walks a day so it's a good excuse for you to get out there. I'm lucky enough to have a local dog kennel who are often looking for dog walkers so it's something I will be engaging in a lot more now we're into winter. You only need to be outside for around 30 minutes and if it's cold you can treat yourself to a hot chocolate when you get home.
D O S O M E F U N A C T I V I T I E S.
Because it's getting colder I'm sure I'm not the only one who finds themselves spending more time indoors than they do out and about. This time of the year should be no different. Organise some fun stuff in your diary; see your friends, go for an Orange Hot Chocolate from Cafe Nero (they're the best), have a spa or theatre trip. Whatever you enjoy, do it.
Of course, there's also some stuff you can do at home. Grab a book to read on the sofa, dive into your DVD collection to watch something you haven't in a while, watch a new series on Netflix or my favourite this time of year, invite your friends round for a games night. Otherwise, you may catch me writing some of my latest blog posts or writing ideas for future ideas. Whatever you plan to do, it's something that self-care comes with the opportunity to do something fun too. It's a great thing for you to look forward to when you are having a difficult day too.
H A V E A R O U T I N E A T B E D T I M E.
One of the most important things during the Autumn and Winter months is to have a suitable routine at bedtime. Get yourself off social media at 9pm, you don't need to be scrolling social media at night. I always start my night with a bubble bath or shower at 7pm, I like to have a face mask, put on some music and read a couple of chapters in my book in peace. Before I go to bed, I pop on my PJ's (they've usually been on the radiator for a couple of hours) and spray a couple of squirts of my lavender pillow spray. It is honestly of the best things I've added to my routine this year and I would definitely recommend it for everyone.
Also, remember that you aren't alone in struggling with mental health this time of year. Make sure you do what's right for you, whether self-care is something you do or want to do or whether you have a better way of managing your mental health then do it.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self-care during the colder months?
You may also enjoy reading my post on Coping with Mental Health in the Workplace.