Looking after your mental wellbeing during the winter months

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The autumn and winter months can be a bleaker time for anyone, but especially those with mental health issues. Whether it’s the winter blues, anxiety or depression, there’s no denying that the cold and darker days can be a daunting combination. And one that makes most of us stay indoors more, exercise less and feel more unsociable. But there are some positive things that we can all do to help ourselves and each other.

Stay active It’s easy to let the shorter days prevent us from getting outdoors, but there might be some simple things you can do. Try walking on your lunch break rather than sitting at your desk and answering that next email while you eat.

If you’re not getting a lunch break, make an extra effort to get away from your workplace (don’t be afraid to speak up and say you need to get some fresh air). Stepping away from work will allow your mind some downtime and will help you focus better when you return.

The NHS has some helpful advice on ways you might be able to beat the tiredness that comes with the winter months.

Express your creative sideHobbies are good for keeping both our minds and bodies active. Doing something creative can be therapeutic, and a good stress relief. It can also help us switch off at the end of a day in a way that watching TV and scrolling through our social media feeds can’t.

You could write a story, have a go at drawing, snap that perfect photo or knit a scarf to keep you warm. You could event set yourself a challenge like Inktober.

Keep connected with others When it’s cold and wet, the last thing you might fancy is a trip out to see a friend or a relative, but it can leave us isolated. It’s really important to stay connected with the people that matter to you most. So if you really don’t fancy leaving the house, why not set-up a video call instead of sending messages? Research has shown that modern ways of communicating, while quick and convenient, can have a negative impact on our mental health.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, there are always people on hand to talk. Large employers will have Employee Assistance Programmes that can talk to you confidentially. For all our members in the bank (and those who’ve worked for one in the past) you have access to the confidential services of the Bank Workers Charity. Every year they support thousands of people from the banking community by providing advice and expert support services.

Put down your phone There’s increasing research on the effects of constant usage of mobile devices. The blue light emitted may cause disruption to our sleep, as will nonstop notifications that drop in at all hours of the day (do we really need to know about that offer at 2am in the morning?)

If you can turn your phone off during the night, then this is a good way to disconnect from the world. Perhaps agree to set aside some phone-free time before bed and read a book instead (if you’re going to read a book on your phone or tablet, turn off notifications so you can focus on reading and change the settings to a black or grey background to avoid blue light).

The Bank Workers Charity recently published a practical guide to a digital detox which is well worth checking out.

Remind someone they are amazing Remember the last time someone thanked you, or gave you something you weren’t expecting, just because they could? Wasn’t that an awesome feeling, making you warm and fuzzy inside? How did it make them feel, watching your eyes light up — smiling is infectious.

You don’t have to make grand gestures to make someone smile. Small things can have a big impact. It could be something as simple as bringing home a box of chocolates for your loved one at the end of a stressful week, or reminding them that they’re special, or simply doing the washing up after dinner without being asked. Small thank you’s go a long way, and they can have a positive impact on you as well as the person you thank. This is just as important at work as it is in your home life too!

If you see someone is having a rough day or week, don’t just ask them if they’re okay (which one of us ever truly says how we feel when we’re asked that question? we all respond with ‘I’m fine’ or ‘I’m getting by’). Instead, ask them if they’d like to talk, and give them the opportunity and space to do so. It’s fine if they don’t want to, don’t be pushy. Just let them know that you’re there if needed and move on to talk about more pleasant things.