Tips to Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy This Winter

Tips to Stay Physically and Emotionally Healthy This Winter

With the calendar heralding October, it won’t be long now before the chilly winds of winter start blowing in your direction. Of course, the season brings more than just cold – it brings colds, flu and, from what the federal government currently projects, perhaps another COVID-19 variation.

These physical ailments all have the capacity to impact our emotional well-being, which for many might already be at a low ebb thanks to winter’s shorter days, grayer skies and damper weather. Forewarned is forearmed, of course, so it is good to know there are strategies you can implement to alleviate the worst of winter’s attack on your physical and emotional well-being.

Reduce Stress: For most Americans, this is easier said than done but that’s all the more reason to try. Stress reduction is a skill you can learn, and one that will help you conserve your inner resources and reduce unnecessary drains on your energy. The first step is to assess the type of stress you are experiencing – is it physical or emotional? Coming from your environment, workplace, relationships? Once identified, take steps to address the stress.

Nourish Yourself: It is more important than ever in winter to provide your body with the extra raw materials it needs. Emphasize warming foods – more concentrated sources of fuel and nutrients, including whole grains and beans, nuts and seeds, seaweed and quality proteins. In cold or damp weather, you also require a few more calories and spices such as ginger, garlic and cayenne to heat your body.Time to Reflect: The introspective nature of winter provides an excellent opportunity for greater reflection and self-assessment. Take an honest look at where you are. At the same time, be gentle with yourself. Your emotions may be high, or you may be more sensitive than usual. See if you are able to accept yourself more fully in as many areas of your life as possible.

Avoid Over-indulgence: If you’re feeling emotionally empty, it makes sense to give yourself a little extra nurturing, but don’t confuse self-care with self-indulgence. Continue to minimize sweets and simple starches and avoid the empty calories of junk food. Portion sizes might also be a factor. Provide yourself with quality nutrition and supplements rather than constantly jump-starting yourself with caffeine.

Let’s Laugh: “Laughter is the best medicine” is an old cliché, to be sure, but like so many others it is rooted in reality. One way to alleviate winter’s drab and drudgery is to fill your spare time with activities sure to get you laughing. There is plenty of comedy on television and in the movie theater, but also consider hitting the nearest comedy club or, just as valuable, hanging out with a friend with a great sense of humor.

Get Creative: As with laughter, putting your time and attention into a creative endeavor can do a lot to chase away the winter blues.


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At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.