Mental Wellness During the Holidays in New York
The winter holidays in the United States are traditionally a time to come together and make merry. But that can be hard to do during the cold, dark New York winters. For better mental wellness, we recommend that you prioritize light exposure, stay active, maintain routines, nourish your body, stay socially connected, and manage stress with boundaries, mindfulness, and self-compassion, especially if grieving or overwhelmed. Focus on gratitude, be kind to yourself, and don’t feel pressured to create a “perfect” holiday.
We recommend combating the cold and darkness that help cause Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by maximizing natural light. Get outdoors for short walks, open blinds, or use a light therapy lamp in the morning to boost serotonin.
Try to stay active as much as you’re able to. Bundle up for walks in parks, find indoor workouts such as gym, yoga, or dance. Every chance you get, even if you don’t feel like it in the moment, get some sunshine on your face. If it’s nice outside, take the opportunity to go for a walk around the block. Sunshine raises serotonin levels and helps you get some Vitamin D. Indoor activities that are still social and interactive like online gaming with friends can help on some days too, more than scrolling apps or movies/TV. Also, even two or three sessions of intensive exercise (even if for 15 minutes per session) per week will also help combat low mood and motivation. Movement and sunshine are simply good for the brain.
Don’t forget to do your best to eat and drink healthy. Stick to regular sleep and mealtimes as much as possible to stabilize mood, digestion, and energy levels. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins that suit your body’s needs well, like eggs and fish. Always drink plenty of water and avoid overusing alcohol or other substances to cope.
Remember to set boundaries for how you are treated and what is expected of you. It’s okay to say no to events or limit time with stressful people. Prioritize what you enjoy and what feeds your soul. You can’t do everything; focus on key activities and get help from family and friends when you can. Mindfulness is important. Practice deep breathing, meditation, or journaling for quick mental resets. Ask loved ones how they’re doing; they might be struggling too. Don’t hesitate to contact a therapist or counselor if overwhelmed.
For more tips on mental wellness, write to us on our website or call (585) 442-6960.
