Tips for Chasing the Winter Blues

The 2023 holiday season has ended, and we begin a new year filled with fresh hope and new resolutions to be happy and healthy. We’ve gathered some tips from our behavioral health and health care management team and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for managing your mental health.

• Socialize: As you enter the New Year, you may find you have an interest in new activities which can promote good physical and mental health. Social engagement is important to maintaining your overall wellness and as you know, opportunities to help others at the same time are abundant.
• Helping others: Doing something nice for someone else can result in positive emotions, a sense of meaningfulness and value, and new social connections, and it can provide a sense of intrinsic reward. It doesn't have to take a great deal of effort or time, and you can engage your family and/or friends in your efforts.
• Check your feelings: Acknowledging your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.
• Practice self-care: Treat yourself with kindness and avoid self-criticism. It is also important to schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body.
• Taking care of your body: A big part of mental health has to do with your physical health. Make sure you drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, exercise throughout the week, and get enough sleep.
• Use your coping skills: Stress and anxiety are a natural part of life. Practicing good coping skills can help relieve overwhelming feelings. Take a walk, play with your pet, or even write in a journal. Research also shows that laughter not only boosts your immune system but also relieves pain, relaxes your body, and reduces stress.
• Make a plan: When you feel sad, stressed, or alone: This plan might include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, participating in an activity that brings joy, or watching a favorite movie. Having a plan helps ensure that difficult moments are more manageable.

Please seek additional support if needed.  If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, please contact your Care Manager. Care Design NY Care Managers received the nationally recognized evidence-based training program, Mental Health First Aid certification. They know the signs to look for and have skills to help develop a plan of action to get individuals the support they need. Click here to learn more. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

We’d love your ideas on what you are doing this month to bring more joy into the winter months! Click on the button below to send us your thoughts. Wishing you a joy filled 2024!