Stress

Tips to Help Prevent Stress, Anxiety, and Mild Depression During the Winter Months

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  • Tips to Help Prevent Stress, Anxiety, and Mild Depression During the Winter MonthsMake realistic expectations for each day
  • Set realistic goals for yourself
  • Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle
  • Make a list and prioritize the important activities
  • Be realistic about what you can and can not do
  • Do not put all your energy into just one day
  • “Live in the moment” not all of the stuff that needs to be done
  • Look to the future with optimism
  • Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with “the good old days” of the past
  • If you are lonely, try volunteering some of your time to help others
  • Limit your consumption of alcohol, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression
  • Try something new
  • Spend time with supportive and caring people
  • Reach out and make new friends
  • Make time to contact a long lost friend or relative
  • Make time for yourself
  • Let others share the responsibilities of daily tasks
  • Keep track of your spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive

 

Some Science Behind Gratitude

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Science of GratitudeAccording to researchers at Indiana University, the mental benefits of gratitude include:

  • Decreased feelings of anxiety and depression
  • Individuals have a better ability to cope with stress
  • Feelings of individuals are more confident and have more self-worth
  • Individual have generally higher feelings of happiness
  • Individuals who practice gratitude may even rewire the brain to be more sensitive to experiences gratitude

They also found that there are physical benefits associated with having an attitude of gratitude such as:

  • Improved cardiac health
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Better sleep habits
  • Quicker recovery from illness
  • Increased energy

Ways to practice gratitude:

  • Keep a gratitude journal
  • Keep a gratitude jar and put little notes in the jar each day
  • Observe “30” days of thanks. Post something you are grateful for or post a picture of something you are grateful for each day.
  • Thank 5 people who have an impact on your life and write each one a letter to express your gratitude.
  • There are also gratitude calendars that can be helpful
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Spend time with loved ones
  • Volunteer