Tips for Coping with the Winter Blues

The wintertime is here, which means it’s time to drink hot cocoa, wear the warmest and coziest attire, watch the prettiest snowfalls, go ice skating, and celebrate the holiday season. Unfortunately, it also means the common feeling of isolation throughout these months is also quickly approaching for some and is already here for others. Isolation can be a daunting experience and can present in different physical, emotional, and social ways. This is especially common during winter months when social interactions may be limited, when we may need to follow specific COVID-19 regulations, when our previous daily activities or routines are no longer available due to the colder weather, or when we remember lost loved ones and endure challenges during holiday gatherings. Whether you struggle with isolation during this time of year, or know a loved one who does, these strategies for mindfully coping with isolation may be helpful.

Reach out to your supports. In times of feeling isolated, staying in touch with loved ones can help to bridge that gap. Sometimes it can be difficult to reach out for connection when we already feel so alone. Start small – communicate with someone you live with, ask a friend to grab coffee, or FaceTime a family member. If sharing your challenges with someone you know seems out of reach or unattainable at this time, keep reading for other ways to generate connections.

Stay semi-structured and plan ahead. Having planned activities and things to do throughout your day can help you feel motivated and have a purpose. It may be helpful to plan your entire day, including wake-up and bedtime routines, meal times and snack times, what you will plan to eat, household chores, activities, etc., others may feel intimidated by that and need only certain areas planned out to allow for more flexibility within their days. Try out different levels of planning to see which may work best for you. It’s also important to remember that how much structure you need in your day may evolve with you and does not need to stay the same.

Be around peers and connect to new people. Connecting with new people and our peers is so helpful in strengthening our social health. Think about what you enjoy doing and what your hobbies are and start there! Join a new club, connect with others with similar interests on social media, or even take a local class at your community center. To start more slowly, plan a visit to a park on a sunnier day or to your local coffee shop to be in a communal space.

Connect with a healthcare provider and available resources. Reaching out to a healthcare provider, such as a therapist or Registered Dietitian, can provide another avenue to seek connection and support. A licensed provider can help you navigate your individual challenges and determine tools and steps that may be helpful. Stay updated on available resources, like this blog post, for additional general tools and strategies to try.

Remember that you are not alone in these challenges nor are you the only one experiencing these feelings of isolation. Finding a connection is a great first step. Reach out to loved ones or healthcare providers for support and connection and practice prioritizing self-care and kindness to yourself as you navigate these often-challenging winter months.