Winter Weather and Mental Health

Dec 1, 2023

Studies show that extreme weather changes can negatively affect mental health.

During times of extreme cold, people tend to stay inside more and detach from their regular activities. This form of “hibernation mode” can increase depression.

It’s important to be mindful of how winter weather can affect your mental health and be prepared for it.

Here are some things you can do to support your mental health as the days get colder and shorter.

• Plan an activity you can look forward to such as: a call with family every week, a virtual coffee date with a friend, a physically distanced snowshoe, ski, or walk with a neighbor or a virtual game night with friends. 
• Exercise regularly. Ask a member of your household to be your exercise partner or one of your essential supports if you live alone.  
• Get outdoors and get as much natural sunlight as you can. 
• Talk to your doctor to see what coping strategies are best for you (e.g. medication, vitamins, light therapy).
• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Getting enough sleep helps us feel better. 
• Talk to someone when you are not able to cope in a healthy way on your own. 
• Check in on others – it may not be obvious when they are having challenges.
  

Looking for more tools and tips to support your mental health? Check out our Mental Health Wellness and Resilience Toolkit HERE