Student Wellbeing 

Breakfast Club - Now at Wellbeing

Breakfast Club is open to all students so please join us 8am - 8:30am Tuesdays and Thursdays at Wellbeing for some free healthy food to start your day!

Keeping Healthy in the Cold Weather

As the cold weather sets in, it's essential for teens to be mindful of their mental health. The changing seasons can impact our emotions and well-being, making it vital to take proactive steps to maintain a healthy mindset. In this article, we'll explore effective ways for teens to look after their mental health during the cold weather and ensure a positive and fulfilling season.

Embrace Natural Light: During cold weather, the days are shorter, and exposure to natural light becomes limited. Make an effort to spend time outdoors during daylight hours, even if it's chilly. Sunlight helps regulate mood and sleep patterns by influencing the production of serotonin and melatonin. Take a walk in the park, sit by a window, or engage in outdoor activities to soak up some essential sunshine.

Stay Active: Physical activity is not only beneficial for your body but also your mind. Engaging in regular exercise, even indoors, can boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase energy levels. Consider trying out new sports. Alternatively, follow online workout routines or dance to your favourite music in the warmth of your home.

Maintain a Balanced Diet Cold weather may tempt us to indulge in comfort foods, but it's important to maintain a balanced diet. Eating nutritious meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins supports both physical and mental well-being. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary or processed foods, as they can lead to fluctuations in mood and energy levels.

Connect with Friends and Family Spending time with loved ones is an essential aspect of caring for your mental health. The cold weather can sometimes lead to isolation and feelings of loneliness. Combat this by reaching out to friends or family members for virtual or in-person gatherings. Social connections play a crucial role in maintaining emotional well-being.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques Taking time to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques can significantly benefit your mental health. Consider incorporating meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga into your daily routine. These practices can help reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote a sense of inner calm and balance.

Pursue Indoor Hobbies Embrace the cold weather as an opportunity to explore indoor hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. Engage in activities such as reading, writing, painting, playing musical instruments, or trying out new recipes. Hobbies provide a healthy outlet for self-expression and serve as a distraction from cold weather blues. You can see what’s happening in Knox and Whitehorse on their council websites. You can also check out local Youth Clubs Instagram accounts like “Youth Connexions” in Box Hill. 

Ensure Sufficient Sleep Cold weather often makes us want to stay cozy under the covers, but ensure you maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, as adequate rest is crucial for mental and physical restoration. Avoid excessive screen time before bedtime and create a calming bedtime routine to improve the quality of your sleep.

Seek Professional Help if Needed If you find that your mental health is consistently affected by the cold weather or if you're experiencing ongoing feelings of sadness or anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Talk to a school counsellor, a mental health professional, or confide in a trusted adult. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and it can make a significant difference in how you navigate challenging times.

Conclusion Taking care of your mental health during cold weather is a vital part of overall well-being. Embrace the season by staying active, connecting with loved ones, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Be mindful of your emotions and don't hesitate to seek support if needed. By nurturing your mental health, you can approach the cold weather with a positive mindset and make the most of this unique time of the year.

Youth Support services 

headspace: visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call headspace on 

1800 650 890.

Kids Helpline: 

1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au 

ReachOut: reachout.com.au 

SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org

National 24/7 crisis services 

Lifeline:13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au 

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au 

beyondblue: 

1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au

Student Wellbeing Team

Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au

Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Coordinator 

Talea-Jane Simpson – School Counsellor

Lea Marrison - Mental Health Practitioner

Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner