Willow Vine Counselling

There is no doubt that Winter is coming. The days are shorter and night seems to come quickly, the rain has turned to snow, and most people have come to terms with having to get their warmer clothing out for the season.

For many this Winter is looking bleak with the combined influence of Covid, contributing to a more negative outlook as we head into the colder darker months ahead. For many Winter poses an additional challenge for many Canadians mental health. According to the Canadia Mental Health Association (CMHA), about 2-3% of people will suffer from severe Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in their lifetime and about 10% of Canadians will suffer from a milder form of SAD, which will leave them slightly depressed but still able to carry out their life without major disruptions. 

"Winter poses an additional challenge for many Canadians mental health."

However, there are countries in the world that have a very different, more positive outlook, on the colder, darker months. A recent article by the BBC, outlines how people in Scandinavian countries stay happy throughout the Winter. They do this by embracing the concept hygge, which encourages indulging in comfy, cozy and pleasurable things throughout the winter; and Friluftsliv, which is all about embracing the great outdoors, no matter the season. These two concepts play an integral role in safeguarding the happiness of people in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, who sometimes have long periods of darkness throughout the Winter months.

We may not have the concepts of hygge and Friluftsliv as part of our culture, but that doesn’t mean we can’t adopt them to help make the Winter months more pleasurable. Here are five ways to embrace Winter that will help safeguard your mental health and hopefully change how you feel about the season. After all, it does come once a year! 

Get Cozy 

When it is cold outside there is nothing better than pulling on a cozy sweater and a warm pair of socks and curling up by the fire. This is essentially the concept of hygge that many people in Scandinavian countries practice throughout the Winter season. They actively look forward to the cozy feeling that being indoors surrounded by loved ones brings during the colder months, and this helps them feel more positive about the season in general.  

Stay connected 

This is a difficult one, especially because of social distancing restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, technology is a beautiful thing. There are so many video conferencing platforms that you can use to keep in touch with friends and family. When in doubt you can always go the old fashioned route and pick up the phone. Human connection is important and staying connected with loved ones throughout the winter will do wonders to maintaining and even improving your mental health. 

Get outdoors 

Scandinavians do this well by embracing Friluftsliv. They find adventure in the great outdoors no matter the season. Engaging in outdoor activities over the Winter will expose you to much-needed vitamin D, which is essential for your physical health. Also, finding a new Winter activity (skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or even building a snowman) can give you something to look forward to. Hygge is great, but it is even better after you have spent the afternoon in the fresh air.  

Engage in pleasurable activities 

Find an activity that you love. It can be baking cookies with your children, redecorating a room in your home, crafting, DIY, anything that brings you joy. Engaging in pleasurable activities has been proven to release endorphins in the brain which immediately improves your mood. Take an evening after work and brainstorm some activities that you might want to try that will help make the winter months more pleasurable and fulfilling, while in turn safeguarding your mental health. 

Stay active  

Being active is a big part of living a healthy lifestyle and this remains true throughout the winter. Whether you choose to stay active by going for a walk outdoors a few times a week, sign up for a fitness class, or do some yoga at home, all movement is good movement. Exercise has been shown to not only promote physical wellbeing but mental health as well. Staying active throughout the winter months will help ward of depression and keep you engaged in life which is integral if you want to embrace the season like a Scandinavian. 

How do you plan on integrating a more positive outlook this Winter?

If you are feeling overwhelmed during this time, and these strategies don’t seem to be cutting it, reach out for help and support from family, friends, community and your counsellor.

Call any time at (613) 690-4075 or email info@willowvinecounsellingandyogatherapy.ca

info@willowvinecounsellingandyogatherapy.ca

(613) 690 - 4075