How To Support Your Mental Health For The Holidays And The Rest Of Winter

The winter can have a significant negative impact on our mood and as the pandemic rages on, and lockdowns and isolation wear us down, understanding how to best support our mental health is of vital importance.

If you celebrate Christmas , or just enjoy the holidays , it can be easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the festive season, only to come crashing down in the new year. Thats why its important to start little habits to support your mental health now so youre feeling good once the holidays wind down.

WATCH: Take care of your mental health with these simple tips. Story continues below video.

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Start by treating your mental health as you would your physical health check in with yourself daily and see where you could adjust your lifestyle to support your journey. Remember to always consult with your medical professional when necessary or call 911 in case of an emergency.

HuffPost Canada connected with B.C.-based counsellor Esha Shoker MA, RCC, for her expert advice on building your own mental health tool kit. Together, weve put together some techniques you can take or leave to empower yourself to take charge of your own health, especially once the holidays wind down.

Prioritize rest

In our hustle culture, working around the clock is often celebrated while the importance of slowing down is at times overlooked. While organized multi-tasking can be useful, prioritizing your daily rest is paramount to supporting your health .

Weve found that a nightly wind-down routine before bed helps with logging enough quality zzzzs, and whether you choose to add a warm bath, some journaling or another relaxing activity to your bedtime routine, switching off your screens needs to be at the top of your to-do list.