As the months get colder and the days get shorter, it’s extremely important to take care of both your mental and physical health. Implementing new self-care methods in your daily routine is a beneficial way to stay on top of your wellness. Science proves that mental and physical wellness are connected. The Center for Disease Control states that “depression increases the risk for many types of physical health problems, particularly long-lasting conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness.” To reduce the possibility of physical health problems and improve our overall well being, here are some simple practices we can put into place in our daily lives to increase our mental and physical wellness in the colder months.
Connect Your Mind and Body
In the colder seasons with shorter days, it’s easy to become tired, stressed, and have less energy than normal. Finding a way to battle depression and anxiety is key to maintaining mental health in these winter months. Depression and Anxiety can be combated through hypnotherapy to ease the mind and find answers of physical and mental discomfort between the mind and body. Virtual sessions can be completed in your home to provide you with the most comfort.
Moisturizer is Key
The dry winter air can have some serious drying effects on your skin. Using moisturizer in the morning and at night can keep your face feeling hydrated and healthy during the colder months. Try using body moisturizers with shea butter to keep the rest of your skin hydrated as well, especially after showering. For an increased result for facial elasticity and hydration, try booking a hydrating facial or a VI peel.
Be in Community
Prioritize the relationships in your life that give you joy. Stay connected with your loved ones, especially on days that are more difficult for your mental health. Give yourself time to connect with others to get out of negative mindsets and practice seeking out loved ones when you are not doing well.
Bask in Infrared
Seasonal depression is a recurring issue as the days continue to get shorter. Exposure to natural light during our day allows our bodies to produce Vitamin D, improves our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, improves focus, enables us to be more productive, and even makes us happier. Trying an infrared sauna is just the right trick to providing your body with warmth to ease the mind and improve mental wellness, along with relaxing sore muscles and joints.
Be Still
Give yourself time to rest for a small part of the day. Even if it’s for 15 minutes, give yourself time to be still without any distractions like technology, work, or other day-to-day distractions. Try wrapping yourself up in a blanket and letting your mind reset for the day. You can do this either in the morning or in the evenings for a great start or end to your day.
Soothe Your Muscles
Due to physical and mental stress on the body, it’s easy to carry tension that can debilitate our physical wellness. Try scheduling a massage or acupuncture to relieve sore muscles and soothe your mind simultaneously with these sessions. Acupuncture is able to target specific nerves in your body and relax them using small pins, and can assist with anything from emotional and neurological wellness to physical wellness. Massage therapy can relieve pain, stress, increase mental health, and relax tense muscles.
Move Your Body
Exercise not only helps you maintain physical wellness, but also boosts your mood and productivity. Try to make it a part of your daily schedule to work out every day, even if it fluctuates from a light workout like taking a walk, to an intense workout such as going on a run. No matter how much you enjoy exercising, moving your body will increase your overall happiness and way of living.
