PRIME SEASON
Be well
this winter! For many people the winter holidays are their favorite time of year. But for some, the days of December through March can be daunting. The good news is that the medical commuSean nity has been dealing McCarthy with these challenges for a long time and they have some suggestions for those who struggle before the days become longer and warmer once again. From the time you wake until you fall asleep, there are steps you can take to make the best of the winter season. “There are things we can do to embrace an approach that is healthy for us, starting with the understanding that we won’t be in winter forever – spring and summer are right around the corner,” says Katherine Schleich-Medeiros, a Licensed Mental Health Counsellor at Child & Family Services in New Bedford, with a private practice in North Dartmouth. “Winter may seem like a long amount of time but it’s no longer than any other season.” Schleich-Medeiros says that you can start each day beneficially. “When you wake up each morning, think about the things you’re grateful
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S ou th C oast P r ime T imes
for. Start your day with reasons to be optimistic. Perhaps the sun is up, or you have a roof over your head, or you have a job, or you have your health.” Jon Leaver of Jon Leaver Wellness in Westport and Wareham says that we should end our days beneficially as well.
Move as much as
you can and stay hydrated “Before you go to bed at night make a list of three things you want to do the next day and circle the one that’s most important. So doing even one of those things will mean you’ve had a productive day.” But Leaver says that preparing to sleep is also important. “Shut off your TV 30 minutes to an hour before going to bed,” he says. “Don’t take
J a nuary /F ebruary 2022
your phone to bed with you so that you can begin to slow your mind down and get some quality sleep. Before sleeping you may enjoy a cup of natural tea or do some reading.” “Think about establishing a regular sleep cycle, trying to get to bed at the same time each night and getting enough sleep,” Schleich-Medeiros says.
Winter meals And during your waking hours you should be thinking about what you’re eating as well as getting some physical activity – approaches that are valuable year round. Leaver suggests a diet of whole grain and plant-based foods, but he recommends exploring and having fun with your food intake. “You can go online to websites and find recipes that interest you,” he says. “You may not like everything, but you’ll probably surprise yourself and discover something new.” “Enjoy seasonally-appropriate foods and stay away from things that are processed,” Schleich-Medeiros adds. “Movement is important, particularly in winter,” Leaver says. “With the shorter days we aren’t getting outside as much, but there are things you can do. If you
