5 Strategies to get you through the Winter with a pep in your step!
Winter in Mid Missouri can seem dreary and cold. It takes more effort to get out of the house and when we get a heavy snow or ice, people may stay inside for days on end. With less socialization, a decrease in exercise and lack of fresh air, it’s no wonder people begin to feel depressed and/or anxious! Here are a few tips for taking care of your mental health during the Missouri Winter.
Keep Moving
Exercise is an important part of self care. After all, exercising releases the hormones responsible for making us feel happy. Not to mention, the feeling of accomplishment after a good workout is a great boost to the ego! Yet I know that exercise is harder in the winter. You don’t want to be miserable going for a walk in the freezing cold and even going to the gym sounds like a chore. In fact, as I’m writing this I’ve just come in from the snow and was very tempted to stay home and hide under the covers. However, finding a way to keep moving will really benefit your mental health. Consider following along to an exercise video you pull up online, go to a yoga class, get a personal trainer for extra motivation or just meet a friend at the ARC for a walk.
Get Sunlight and Fresh Air When Possible
The thing about Mid Missouri weather is that it’s constantly changing! Once in awhile we get a really mild day even in the middle of the winter. When that happens, head to Strawn Park for some Frisbee gold, go sit outside Jesse Hall and watch people walk around the columns or grab your children and head to Cosmo Park!
Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule
With shorter days and colder weather often comes the temptation to sleep through the day. Try to set a consistent schedule so you get the sleep you need without over doing it.
Eat Healthier
It feels like I’m seeing more information pop up every week on the relationship between diet and mental health. Back2Basics has some excellent resources including an active Facebook page and offers pre made health meals (including excellent soups and crock pot meals that are very comforting in the cold weather!) for those of you living in Columbia.
Be Social
Even if you feel like hiding in your bed until Spring, try to push yourself to reach out to friends. You will likely feel better after a good visit. Grab coffee, go to a movie or simply pick up the phone and call someone for a chat.
Counseling in Mid Missouri
If you need a little extra help this winter, our therapists would be happy to talk to you about how counseling may help. A safe space awaits you in our office and we will match you with an accepting, empathetic and knowledgeable therapist to help you find your best self! Typically, Aspire Counseling therapists in Columbia, MO are ready to meet you where you are in your healing. To get started follow these simple steps:
1. Call 573-328-2288 or fill out our contact form.
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists for a free consultation.
3. Let’s work on your goals!
Other Mental Health Services at Aspire Counseling
Mindfulness and meditation for Mental Health Counseling is not the only service we offer at our Columbia, MO clinic. Other mental health services that Aspire Counseling provides include anxiety treatment, depression counseling, counseling for college students, counseling for caregivers, grief counseling, teen counseling, counseling for adults, LGBTQIA+ affirming counseling, DBT, trauma therapy for children and teens, counseling for sexual assault survivors, and online therapy. Contact us today!
