By Schuyler Corrigan

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February 22, 2023

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February can feel like a tough month for many, with the dark days of winter lingering on and the coldness really settling in before spring. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and general lethargy are prominent this time of year, and feeling like you’re “in a funk” may last until the first warmer days of April. This is a time of year when we need to assess our emotional and mental health in ways that are a little different than summer and fall and make sure we’re taking care of ourselves in subtle ways to make it through the last push of winter. Implementing simple self-care in February does not have to be excessive or take a lot of time. These self-care activities are meant to take you out of a stagnant routine, enliven your mind and uplift your spirit, even for short periods of time. 

 

Read More: Mental Health Support in Winter 

 

• Keep a mug of warm herbal tea with you throughout the day. Herbal teas like ginger, chai, lemon & honey, chamomile, and hibiscus are great choices for deep winter. These nourishing, warming, and vibrant herbs will keep you feeling cozy and comforted throughout the day.

 

• When possible, take a walk outdoors (even in the cold!). Spending even just 15 minutes outdoors each day has been shown to uplift our mood and improve our mental health. This is especially helpful for those who are behind a computer screen all day. Engaging your eyes with outdoor areas helps to alleviate tension headaches and expand your mental capacity after working long hours indoors. 

 

• Engage in “play” or creative outlets for a few minutes each day. This works the brain out of a funk by doing something a bit out of the norm. Drawing, coloring, crafting, working with your hands, playing an instrument, designing your spring garden, and even floral arrangements can be fun and unique ways to bring some joy to your day. 

 

• Begin tidying up your indoor space if it’s feeling dark or cluttered. Sweeping out the winter cobwebs, cleaning up the surfaces of your communal spaces, deep cleaning your kitchen or bedroom, and getting a bit of fresh air (or aromatic smells like lavender or sweet orange) can make a big difference in your home if it is feeling uninspired or stagnant. 

 

• Schedule one day or afternoon this month that is a little unique. Take yourself to a museum, or your local botanical garden (these are still beautiful in winter months!), maybe visit a friend you haven’t seen in a while, take yourself on a local hike, or spend an afternoon cooking up an elaborate meal to share with friends. Getting out of the weekly routine can be something to look forward to and share with people who uplift your spirit. 

If you find yourself feeling the onset of the “winter blues”, or feeling like your mood is a bit different in the winter months and need personalized support, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors. They will have an in-depth discussion with you to review your health history, diet, lifestyle practices, stressors, sleep, and any relevant lab work to help support you in your individual needs. They may also be a great resource for referrals to local therapists or counselors if needed. Don’t hesitate to seek help or ask questions if you feel that you need support maintaining your mental health at any time. The staff and practitioners at Richmond Natural Medicine are available to help and guide you to find a solution that works for you.