HEALTH FILE
TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY AND BEAT THE FEBRUARY BLAHS
Always try to remain positive. A negative mindset can activate the body’s stress response system, causing fatigue and other health issues. Image credit: NEWS CANADA.
From NEWS CANADA
Though this winter started off remarkably mild, it soon defaulted into a reminder of “This is what winter in Canada looks like, deal with it!”
We’re only halfway through winter, and the long, and cold season can be a tough time of year for many of us.
As February blahs take over, it feels like Spring will never get here.
Short days, long, dark nights and cold weather can bring anybody down. With talk of infections on the rise and fears of another wave, memories of living through the pandemic have this winter feeling even tougher than usual for many.
Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy and happy this season:
Take care of your mental health. Maybe its been on your to-do list for a while, or maybe its never crossed your mind, but with the year we had, most of us could use some professional support when it comes to our mental health.
If you don’t want to talk to somebody, find ways to take some time for self-care.
Get moving. Yes, this one’s cliché, but it’s well known for a reason and is worth the reminder. Exercise is not just about your body. It’s about your mind, too. The endorphins you make from breaking a sweat are powerful mood boosters that will amp up your energy and help you stay positive.
If you’re feeling tired, it may not occur to you to get up and move around, but you should. Exercise – however limited – will increase blood flow, supply oxygen to your body and brain, and give you the energy boost you’re lacking.
Don’t worry, be happy. Always try to remain positive. A negative mindset can activate the body’s stress response system, causing fatigue and other health issues.
Take breaks. It’s easy to forget, especially if you’re working on a tight deadline, but taking short breaks allows your body to recover and your mind to refocus.
Sleep rules. Always get a good night’s sleep. Adults need seven to nine hours – anything short of that can lead to fatigue, along with an array of other negative health outcomes including obesity, depression and diabetes. So, create a sleep sanctuary by putting away the screen, darkening your room and calling it a day at a reasonable hour.
Check in on family and friends. Limiting interactions with people has become almost a habit and it’s easy to lose touch with others.
Plan a regular phone call with a family member or friend, organize a Zoom party with friends or check in on others around you to see how they are doing. Reaching out to help others will make you feel better as well.
If you are struggling and don’t know where to turn, you can dial 2-1-1. This national helpline is answered by real people who will talk to you about your situation and provide information on local community or government supports that fit your needs.
This includes programs and services related to mental health, financial assistance and utility relief, food and housing programs and much more.
The service is free and confidential. In a survey done by 211 Ontario, 95 per cent of callers say they would call again or recommend the service to a friend or family member. The service is accessible seven days a week in over 150 languages.
For non-emergency help, dial 2-1-1 any time.