How to Keep Your Cool this Winter

Whether it’s the result of increasingly cold weather or Covid-19 distancing restrictions, most individuals will be keeping indoors over the next few months—and potentially combatting extra stress and anxiety as a result. This is completely normal, and it’s important to talk about how we can prepare for the coming months and preserve our sanity. To help you get in the right mindset to overcome potential Winter woes, here are four helpful tips to keep top of mind:

1. Know yourself and your triggers.

Self-awareness is the first step to understanding the battles you may face this season. Some will be affected by the lack of regular socialization, while others might miss changing their routine through travel. Everyone’s triggers and frustrations are individual to their personality, and your experience over the coming months will be different than your friends, roommate or family.

Take time to identify specific areas that may trigger your sadness and make strategic plans to prevent or mitigate the effects of each issue. For example, if you know that traveling has a profound impact on your mental health, consider taking a small (distanced) road trip or begin planning next year’s adventures to keep your brain looking ahead.

2. Stay connected and avoid isolation.

Maintain a regular line of communication to those around you. In an era of accessible technology, this practice can take a variety of forms. Maybe your version of connectivity looks like a DM on Instagram, quick FaceTime call or sharing a funny video on TikTok. Each of these behaviors is a simple way to engage with those around you, without going into the cold or risking a Covid-19 infection.

It’s possible that being alone is inevitable in your personal situation, but that doesn’t mean you need to be removed in totality from those you love or the things you enjoy. Learning to stay connected while physically isolated is often the sum of small, daily decisions to engage in conversation and activities that keep a lifeline open to the outside world.

3. Reframe negative thinking.

It’s totally okay to feel frustrated, worried or sad—in fact, most psychologists encourage you to express your emotions freely, instead of burying them away. However, when we let bad thoughts linger, they can lead to an unhealthy spiral.

In order to stop these thoughts from taking control of your day, follow these guidelines when you recognize a potential spiral:

• Remove your “should” thoughts. For example, change “I should eat healthier,” to, “I can eat healthier today by having an apple as a snack.”
• Recognize your automatic negative thinking and give yourself time to process the situation.
• Put your thoughts on trial and examine what of your worries is based on known fact versus unlikely possibilities.
• Acknowledge how you feel and be open to admitting that the situation may seem overwhelming.
• Don’t force positive thoughts, but rather, find ways to examine the negative thinking, understand where it’s coming from and reposition it before moving forward.

4. Do what makes you happy.

While this might feel like a no-brainer, when we become overwhelmed or anxious, we quickly abandon the things we love. Make a list of things that bring you happiness or energize your spirit. This list can include anything from reading a book to baking, watching a new movie, playing a board game or chatting with friends. Whatever your list becomes, fill your life with activities that anchor you in what you enjoy. While some of those activities may need to be modified for the season, remember that it’s not only okay—but vital—to spend your time and energy on what makes you happy.