Prioritizing Your Mental Health During Winter Break

While aspects of winter break and the holiday season can be restorative and energizing, it can also be a difficult time for many who may be confronted with emotions such as grief or loneliness. Though it is easier said than done, there are a lot of things that you can do to prioritize your mental health during winter break, and the following tips can help you get started.

Before you dive in, remember that help is always available. If you're feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately at 9-8-8 for free and confidential support.

Get Creative

Winter break and the holiday season present a great opportunity to get creative. You can use this time to explore a new hobby, tackle a project, or even create a new tradition with family or friends. Whatever creative path you choose, the goal is to reactivate positive emotions in your brain by finding something to do that feels accessible, achievable, rewarding, and comforting. Doing so can give you focus and something to look forward to each day while also providing you with an outlet for difficult or complex emotions. Not sure where to start? Start small! It’s all about progress, not perfection.

Take Care of Your Body

How we feel physically often impacts our mental health and vice versa! Drinking enough water, improving your nutrition, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can drastically improve your mood. While it may feel tough to make the effort when you are feeling down, doing a little bit of non-strenuous activity each day (see “Get Outside” below) or eating energizing foods can positively impact how you feel.

Additionally, winter break can be a perfect opportunity to reset your sleep schedule. Try to commit to getting at least seven or eight hours of consistent sleep each night. Did you know that having a “bedtime” is important for adults too? Being well-rested can help you better regulate emotions. Check out these tips for sleep health for some great ideas on improving your sleep over break.

Get Outside

A great, no-cost way to take care of your body is by getting outside (bundle up, it'll be worth it)! Getting daily sunlight is important for your body to maintain good levels of Vitamin D, and fresh air can help improve your mood, strengthen your immune system, and maintain overall physical health. Go for a short walk, run around the block, or even sit on a park bench. All you need is 5-15 minutes. Read more about the health benefits of sunlight at WedMD on Sunlight and Your Health. Think of your body like a plant with thoughts and feelings – you need sunlight just as much as any other living thing!

Volunteer

Winter break is a great time to explore different volunteer opportunities in your community. Volunteering can provide opportunities for more social interactions and help you feel a sense of purpose, which can improve your overall mental health! Check out your neighborhood library, school, food bank, or church for ways to get involved and give back or look for local opportunities online. There are also a ton of national volunteer organizations that offer local opportunities.

Take Advantage of Counseling Services

Seeking help from a professional can be a great way to process any emotions. Counseling allows you to talk about your feelings in an unbiased and safe space. Visit your school’s website or text your chatbot to see if your school offers virtual counseling services that you can access from any location while on break. You can also explore local mental health centers in your community to see what services are available.

Stay Connected

Finding ways to talk to your friends regularly throughout the break can help you to feel connected and supported. Set up a group chat, schedule a weekly video call to stay updated on each other's lives, play online games, or even trade emails for longer life updates. If your friends live locally, plan to meet up for a day in a town you’ve never been to before! Little moments of human connection – even for short periods of time – can go a long way.

Meditate

The busyness of the holiday season can feel overwhelming and provide few opportunities to recognize, sit with, and explore your feelings. Being overstimulated or stressed can also exacerbate any negative feelings or emotions. One way to slow things down and find peace is through meditation. Meditation can be a tool to practice mindfulness, providing a safe and quiet space for us to feel our emotions. And while it can be daunting to start something new, remember that meditation is truly for everyone.

Check out this resource for meditation and other mental health apps that may help you explore specific emotions with guided support and direction.