If you are a human who struggles in the Winter and finds it impacts your mental health, I want you to know that 1. you are definitely not alone and 2. there’s nothing wrong with you. The lack of sunshine and shortened daylight can decrease serotonin production in humans, and certain people are more vulnerable than others.
It’s important to utilize more self-care if you struggle with generalized anxiety disorder
I am certainly by no means suggesting that self-care is going to cure depression or anxiety. It can help you cope, get through it, and take the edge off. Self-care, most of all is an act of self-compassion, which is pretty critical when you are feeling low energy and lacking motivation.
Self-care isn’t about avoidance
I want to clarify what self-care really is and what it isn’t. Self-care is about being gentle and kind to yourself. It’s about taking space and time to connect with yourself and your emotions. Self-care is the act of listening to your needs and being present. Any self-care activity could be used to avoid regardless. It’s truly taking space to be more in tune with your needs. I want to emphasize that so hard.
Self-care isn’t about being selfish
My clients are pretty scared of being selfish. They are lovers and givers, and selfishness is something they’ll avoid at all costs. If self-care is selfish, they’re not going to do it. I want to provide some reassurance to you that self-care is not about having a desire to take from someone else or cause anyone any harm. It’s the opposite. It’s about replenishing your resources and your needs so you can show up for the people in your life the way you want to. You are a human, and there’s just no way around this ;). You have physical and emotional needs that are critical to listen to, and your body will make sure you do. While I’m going to recommend places to go to focus on self-care, what you do in these places is going to make the ultimate difference. Here are some self-care activities to try in these areas.
Meditation
Meditation can be brief and still have a profound impact. I often recommend the “Insight Timer” app to download on your phone to help with guided meditation. They have a number of meditations and for different categories, and you can pick a time frame to meditate. This app is my favorite to help anyone get started with meditation.
Deep Breathing
I recommend taking time while you’re outdoors to focus on your breathing. This isn’t a fancy activity but it actually has incredible benefits. Deep breathing slows down your heart rate and can help you think more clearly. It also overall has a calming effect on your body
Journaling
There are so many incredible effects of journaling! This really helps with processing emotions. By taking time to journal, whether it’s using a pen and paper to journal or taking notes on your phone, it can help you identify and sort through emotions. Consistency with journaling can honestly change your life.
Mindful Movement
Moving your body in ways that help you feel more present and kind to yourself is key. Mindful movement means being in touch with your body and noticing what feels mentally and physically good. Being gentle with your body’s limitations is also an important aspect of self-care.
Sleep
Sleep hygiene for the win baby! Getting adequate, deep sleep is essential for mental health. Keeping your bedtime and wake time consistent helps ensure the benefits of sleep. Make sure to prioritize this as it’s critical for your human functioning.
Unplug
Disconnecting from your phone and social media often is a healthy practice and a form of self-care. If you can unplug from using your phone and other electronic devices for even a few hours, you’ll find it may be helpful. Constantly being connected through social media, phone calls, texting, e-mail etc., can be overwhelming. Try and take a break if you can.
Snow Canyon State Park in Ivins, Utah
We all know if you have to survive a Utah winter, at some point you gotta travel to St. George for better weather. I love going to Snow Canyon State Park and hiking. I recommend the Petrified Dunes Trail because it’s my favorite. You could also consider renting an e-bike from Kova Rentals, and riding through Snow Canyon instead of hiking, or maybe do both? Whichever self-care adventure you choose, definitely follow it up with a meal at Viva Chicken in St. George.
2. Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah
Another Southern Utah destination, Zion National Park in Springdale. This place has some killer views and definitely can show you a good time. I love the Emerald Pools hike and would recommend it. You could also ride the shuttle around and see the views from the window if that’s more your style. The Weeping Rock trail is another short hike you could also try and not regret it. After you’re done with Zion National Park, I need you to do me a favor and eat at Oscar’s Cafe. I have never been before but have had many recommendations. Try it and tell me how it was.
Park City, Utah
You could take the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway and enjoy the killer views. This could take up to 3 hours of your time. You could also take a walk down Historic Main Street if you are into art galleries and shopping. Utah Olympic Park is also a place to visit to learn more about skiing and the Olympics. Align Spa in Park City also offers massage services if you want to give your body some extra care.
Again, remember, regardless of where you are or what you are doing, the connection and compassion you give to yourself will make a difference. Recovery and rest are important self-care for you to show up for the people in your life the way you want to.
Anxiety therapy is worth trying
Sometimes you can do all the self-care in the world, and it still feels like something is missing. Self-care is important to incorporate into your life to reduce stress and make life more manageable. However, it isn’t a cure for mental health struggles. If you struggle with anxiety, therapy can be powerful at helping you be able to manage it more effectively. Working with a trained professional will make more difference than you may even realize.
Begin anxiety therapy in Utah
You don’t have to keep living life overwhelmed. Anxiety therapy can help you make life more manageable. This Utah Counseling Clinic has an anxiety therapist who specializes in anxiety therapy. To begin therapy, follow the steps below:
Meet with a therapist for anxiety
Begin finding relief from anxiety symptoms
Online Anxiety Therapy in Utah
When you struggle with anxiety, it can be hard to reach out for help. It’s scary to think about meeting with a therapist or even trying to find their office. I totally get it and want you to be able to go to therapy because I know it’s worth it. This is why I provide online therapy in Utah. Counseling online is just as effective as in-person therapy. Some people worry they won’t get what they need from the experience if they don’t meet in person. With technology, the experience is just as effective as in-person.
Working with an online therapist also means that we can work together if you are located in St. George, Cedar City, Heber, Logan, Salt Lake City, or elsewhere in Utah.
Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy
Anxiety therapy isn’t the only counseling service this Northern Utah Counseling Practice provides. Other mental health services provided by Maple Canyon Therapy include binge eating disorder treatment, eating disorder therapy, trauma therapy, birth trauma, and body image therapy.