Eat well. Be sure to eat more whole foods rather than processed sugary treats and carbohydrates, which can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Talk to your doctor about adding vitamins B, D, or Omega-3s to your diet.
RELATED: Springfield, Clark County work to shed unhealthy image
MORE COVERAGE: Healthy Springfield series
Exercise. Brisk walking (35 minutes a day five times a week) improves symptoms of depression and stretching daily increases energy. Spending time outside can increase focus, decrease depression, and lower stress.
Crank it up! Listening to upbeat music improves mood in the moment and has lasting benefits.
Volunteer. Helping others can improve your own mental health and life satisfaction.
Drink water and limit alcohol, caffeine. Consuming more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and two per day for men can leave you feeling blue and negatively impact your health. Too much caffeine may disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling tired and down.
Plan a vacation. The simple act of planning a vacation increases overall happiness. A vacation can be a simple day trip or mini-getaway with friends, family, or a significant other.
Take all thoughts of suicide seriously and act immediately: Call 937-399-9500, 911, 1-800-273-8255, or text 741-741.
For other ideas, a Guide to Fighting the Winter Blues, is available free for you or your organization. Contact jennipher@mhrb.org or call 937-322-0648 at the Mental Health & Recovery Board of Clark, Greene and Madison Counties.
Greta Mayer is the CEO of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of of Clark, Greene and Madison Counties.
Healthy Springfield: About this series
Many readers responded to a report late last year that ranked Springfield as the least healthy city in Ohio. That response — including wanting to make a positive difference — prompted the Springfield News-Sun to take a closer look at the community’s health. This year the News-Sun dug into the public health issues facing the city, including obesity and minority health disparities and efforts to improve them.
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