How to Prepare for Winter
This week was the first frost, and in my book that signals winter is coming. I always dread winter because I know that I have seasonal depressive disorder and I often psych myself out knowing that I am going to get depressed because the sun is going to go away. Also, the temperatures often prevent me from going outside. However, we can start a process now in the beauty of fall to prepare for winter and all that comes with the season.
Train Your Brain in the Right Direction
The sun goes down earlier in the winter, yet we tend to stay up just as late with more time on our electronic devices. Try implementing habits of turning off your phone an hour before you go to bed and not looking at it an hour after you wake up. Take a trip to the library and find a new book if you need something to read before bed. Books are far better for your brain than scrolling through TikTok.
Create Projects
If you are like me, you need projects with purpose to prevent you from mindlessly scrolling through your phone. I have a goal to record chapters for an audiobook twice a week this winter. That will be an item on my checklist that isn’t unrealistic and something exciting that I can look forward to. November is famous for being national writing month. Pick something creative that you can work towards during the days you are stuck indoors.
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Join Groups
Continue to seek out people. We all need a community. If you aren’t a part of a small group, consider creating one and inviting your friends. This could be a bible study group or a dungeons and dragons group or something even more creative. Maybe you could have a small group get together and cook a new recipe once a week and take turns with purchasing the ingredients.
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Find A Safeguard Person
Find a person that you can call or polo or text when you do feel a sense of depression coming on. Start the conversation as early as possible so you know they will be there to help you get past the emotions you are feeling at the time.
Written by Sharla Ball
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AVOIDING THE WINTER BLUES. TWO EASY WAYS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS FALL SEASON
10 EASY TIPS FOR BOOSTING MENTAL HEALTH BEFORE WINTER ARRIVES
HANDLING HOLIDAY DEPRESSION AND REIGNITING YOUR CHRISTMAS SPIRIT