With Monday, 21 June being the shortest day of the year many of us may find ourselves a little flat and unmotivated as we settle into winter. About 10 percent of New Zealanders have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but many others experience what is often referred to as the winter blues at this time of year. The Mental Health Foundation wants you to know there is a lot you can do to promote your wellbeing.
Despite the fact that most of us feel like hibernating over the colder months the Mental Health Foundation’s Chief Executive Judi Clements stresses the importance of continuing to do the things that support our wellbeing at this time of year.
“We can drop out of our networks and become more prone to depression in winter, so it’s important for your mental health to keep connected to your friends and family and keep doing the things you enjoy.”
The Mental Health Foundation encourages people to look at the five winning ways to wellbeing connect, give, take notice, learn and be active and think about how they might adapt them from their summer routine to a winter environment.
Mix it up a little, try something different every day, such as a new walking route, cooking a special meal or setting small tasks or goals to get you through to spring. It is these little things that can make a big difference to overcoming the winter blues.
For more information visit www.mentalhealth.org.nz or www.outoftheblue.org.nz