Chaplain's Spot
10 Cool Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
Oh, the weather outside is frightful…and you may not be feeling so delightful. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do both to prevent the winter blues and improve your mood.
More than half the people living in places where there are four seasons report having the “winter blues” – a mild depression characterized by a lack of motivation and low energy. In 2-3% of the population, these difficulties are very severe. They recur as an annual depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), with women more affected than men.
Here are some tips for making peace with winter and cheering up:
1. Think like a Norwegian: In Northern Norway, people view winter as something to be enjoyed, not just endured. What if you embrace winter instead of resisting it? A study in Norway found that people are actually less depressed because they have a positive wintertime mindset. The cold gives them a chance to drink hot beverages, skate or ski, build snowmen, or sit by a fire and visit with friends. Mindset research shows that it doesn’t take much to shift one’s thinking. Consciously aim for a positive mindset!
2. Let the sunshine in: Research shows that exposure to bright light upon awakening is very effective in treating winter depression. Light therapy can help relieve symptoms, along with medication or aerobic exercise. Light therapy mimics natural outdoor light and has a positive effect on brain chemicals linked to mood. Open curtains, trim back tree branches, and sit closer to windows for an extra dose of sunshine. Lighten up…literally!
3. Activity: Take it outside: Regular aerobic exercise works like an antidepressant. Morning exercise is best. So pick up a new winter sport. There’s a saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. So, invest in clothing that keeps you warm, cozy, and dry? A recent study reports that a 30-minute lunchtime walk three times a week boosts mood, while increasing alertness and enthusiasm. Outside is best, or exercise under bright lights to boost your mood.
4. Turn on the tunes: You know how vacuuming goes better with music, like anything you really don’t like to do? Crank up your favourite music, something that makes you want to dance or takes you to another (perhaps warmer) place. A 2013 study reported that listening to upbeat or cheery music significantly improves mood in short and long term.
5. Cook up some comfort: Mac’n cheese, cinnamon buns …yum. We all love winter comfort foods and in moderation, these are fine. But good nutrition makes a difference for our mental health. For those times when you just want to curl up under a warm blanket, meal planning can help you avoid the lure of takeout and comfort food. Get your daily fruits and vegetables with roasted veggies, stewed winter fruits, and healthy soups.
6. Drink lots…of water: It’s important to stay hydrated. Water helps keep your skin healthy and helps remove toxins and waste from your body. It can prevent headaches and reduce joint and muscle pain. Try adding a slice of lemon, lime, or cucumber for increased flavour and a flash of colour.
7. Find an activity you enjoy and do it…a lot! Find something that you like and then commit to doing it. Think back to what you enjoyed as a child or always wanted to do. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, study a new language, or make something. It doesn’t have to cost anything. Ask someone to share their talent or offer your own skills in exchange for theirs.
8. Treat yourself – plan ahead: Make a list of the things you are looking forward to this winter? Look at it whenever you start to feel down about the season. Even better, plan things to look forward to and put them in your calendar. Research shows that simply anticipating something you like makes you happier, and this is a practical way to put that into action. This can be a weekend getaway, massage, time at a spa, special dinner, party with friends, or concert…start dreaming now.
9. Laugh and get social: Author Victor Hugo once said, “Laughter is the sun that drives winter away from the human face.” Laughter can help decrease stress hormones and lighten your mood. Watch funny movies, play board games. Keep a list of people you can turn to when you’re down and need a pick-me-up: family, friends, mentors, coworkers, and neighbours. A simple phone call, chat over coffee, or nice email can lift your mood.
10. Ask for help: If these tips are not enough to get you out of the winter blues, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Speak to your doctor or call your local mental health centre.Like it or not, winter is coming. We may as well roll with it. Snowball fight, anyone?Elizabeth Shein – Trainer, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute https://ctrinstitute.com/blog/10-cool-ways-beat-winter-blues/________________________________________
https://ctrinstitute.com/blog/10-cool-ways-beat-winter-blues/
Community wellbeing:
Toast Tuesday: Our free breakfast program runs weekly on Tuesdays at 8.30am, and is open to all students. Woolies Eastland supports us monthly for our spreads.
Here is the link to the Term 3 team helpers roster - volunteersignup.org/CHJKQ
Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If you would appreciate regular bakery items, please email me, or see me at school.
Second-hand uniforms etc:
Thank you for everyone who has donated unwanted uniform back to us. As a reminder, please don’t cut off the tag showing the size, and please wash items before returning. If you have any non-GRPS shirts or jackets, please take them to the Opp Shop, as well as the old style dresses. We need to supply only current GRPS items. Thanks!
Contact: Feel free to contact me about anything that is of concern for you or your family, whether emotional, social, spiritual or practical.
Regarding students, I can meet with them once, and for further contact we ask parents to sign a Consent Form. If you would like a form, I can send one home or email one to you.
Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.
