We want to help you beat the winter blues

Sunshine can boost your serotonin, supporting your mental health, but how can you prioritize your well-being when winter weather is on the horizon?

We can help you with some December to dos.

✅ Learn something new! Register to attend a virtual presentation on Tuesday, December 5 at 6 p.m. and learn how The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's mental health initiatives within STRIVE are expanding beyond the military and first-responder communities.

✅ Have fun! Even if you must formally schedule it, like an appointment. It’s easy to stay focused on our obligations and duties, and a lighthearted break can significantly elevate your mood.

✅ Express gratitude to others, even for the “little” things. Taking time to consider what you are grateful for has been shown to improve our well-being.

Craig Bryan, PsyD, ABPP, director of the Division of Recovery and Resilience and AnnaBelle Bryan, MS, director of the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans (STRIVE) from Ohio State’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health have offered these simple tips to prioritizing your mental health year-round.

Opportunities for you

Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress. We’ve picked a few to get you started:

▶️ Opening the Day (10 min) Guided meditation with gentle stretching to be done upon waking from bed. A 10-minute invitation to set an intention to be awake and engaged in your day — especially for those things that you don’t want to miss!

▶️ Cultivating Mindful Sleep (20 min) Getting a good night’s sleep is essential in feeling well rested and energized for clinical work. Setting yourself up for sleep happens before you even lie down at night. This guided meditation begins by standing beside the bed, incorporating gentle yogic movements to unwind the body. Try this 20-minute guided meditation to get your body and mind to relax before bed. In the morning, take notice of how rested you feel.