Is the post-holiday season leaving you feeling run down? Exhausted? Lacking motivation? Are you struggling to get back into day-to-day routines?
While the end of the year is often a busy and exciting time for some people, especially those with young children, it also means that our to-do lists have doubled, or in some cases, tripled.
More shopping.
More planning.
More decorating.
More baking.
More cooking.
More cleaning.
More entertaining.
If we are constantly putting out effort, and not replenishing our tank, it can have noticeable impacts.
Our mood is often the most noticeable as it affects what we do, when we do it, and how we communicate with others. To assist with managing these mood differences, it can be helpful to seek balance in what we do. Let’s use the acronym ACE:
Achieve: work, chores, study
Connect: with friends, family, community
Enjoy: play, fun, pleasure
When we feel run down, we often isolate from the people who bring us pleasure and withdraw from the activities we like to do. When we feel stressed, we spend time doing things that bring a sense of accomplishment, and less time doing the activities we enjoy and connecting with others we care about.
When we invite balance into our daily lives, we give our brain the necessary tools to manage stress and anxiety, as well as fight low mood.
Achievement releases dopamine, which is the pleasure hormone that leaves us feeling good.
Connection with others releases oxytocin, the power hormone that makes us feel loved and worthy.
Enjoyment releases serotonin, the hormone that helps to regulates our mood.
With the new year starting, this is a great opportunity to hit the reset button. Consider these simple ways to improve your mental health and well-being:
- Take care of your basic needs: Staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring that you are getting enough sleep can have immediate and lasting impacts on how you feel, how you communicate with others, how you manage stress and so much more. How much sleep do you need? Check out December’s blog: Why Am I More Tired In The Winter? – Brock Counselling.
- Get outside: Yes, even in the bitter cold months! In fact, there are some benefits to breathing in cold air. Some research shows that it is actually good for our respiratory system to inhale cold air as it can help fight off unwanted germs. Controlled breathing of cold air can also help to manage stress and anxiety.
- Rest: Taking the time for rest during our waking hours can lower stress and anxiety, as well as give us more energy to take on daily tasks.
- Enjoyment: Do the things that YOU enjoy. Watch that movie. Bake that cake. Knit that sweater. Plant that garden. Read that book. Ride that bike. Call that friend. Snuggle that cat. Fill up your own cup!
Prioritize personal time the same way you would prioritize
an important meeting or your kid’s Christmas concert.
5. Connection to others: Surround yourself with those that bring a positive energy and bring a meaningful contribution to your life.
6. Therapy: If you notice that your mental health is having a negative impact on your daily life, and/or interfering with your day-to-day functioning, or you need help with making the above changes, you may benefit from speaking with a social worker, therapist, or family doctor.