Tips To Beat The Winter Blues And Boost Your Mental Health On The Job

Coming right off the heels of Men's Health Week, we wanted to remind you there's always time in your busy day to check in on your mental health - and the wellbeing of your mates. Your mental health is incredibly important, not just during Men's Health Week, but every single day of the year. We get that winter can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to your overall mood and energy levels.

During the colder and darker months, there are a heap of chemical processes happening inside your body that can contribute to a decrease in both energy and happiness. Given the nature of your job, which often involves working in cold weather and early mornings, it's completely normal to experience what some refer to as the "winter blues."

We just want to remind you that you're not alone in feeling this way. Many people in similar professions experience these effects during winter. It's really important to understand this about yourself and take care of your mental well-being, not only by recognising the challenges but also by finding ways to boost your spirits.

So, let's keep the conversation going and make sure we're looking out for each other, not just during Men's Health Week, but throughout the entire year. Your mental health matters, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

We’ve listed some great resources at the end of this blog if you need some help caring for your mental health. But one of the best resources out there is LIVIN, an organisation that actively promotes speaking out. They’re a great resource if you’re struggling with mental health and just not feeling great - check them out here.

This year’s Men’s Health Week was all about "Healthy Habits." The goal was to encourage guys like you to make little changes that can have a big impact on your health and well-being. We're talking about changes that you can actually make and stick to, which is pretty awesome.

Now, let's focus on some small acts of kindness you can do for yourself to keep yourself going strong this winter. Winter can be a challenging time, but with a little self-care, you'll be able to tackle it like a pro.

Let's dive in and discover some simple yet effective ways to take care of yourself during these colder months.

Let's talk about the importance of prioritising physical activity. It's really beneficial for your overall well-being, especially when it comes to supporting your mental health. It's all thanks to those wonderful chemicals called endorphins!

Now, the great thing about physical activity is that you have the freedom to choose what you enjoy doing. It could be something as simple as taking a walk, going for a jog, hitting the gym for some weight training, or even participating in sports. The choice is yours! The key is to find something you genuinely like because, let's face it, all those amazing benefits like maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening your muscles and bones, and boosting your mood won't happen if you hate what you're doing and don't stick to it.

If you happen to be part of a team or have some workout buddies, here's a neat idea: why not hit the gym together? It's a fantastic opportunity to support and encourage each other in meeting your fitness goals. Plus, it can be a great bonding experience too! The gym also serves as a great  space away from work where you can keep an eye on each other's mental health. You'd be surprised how a simple "Hey, are you okay?" while waiting for your turn at the chin-up bar can make a world of difference.

Did you know that what you eat can have a major impact on your physical and mental well-being? It's true! While you don't have to go to extremes, it's good to be aware that the food you put into your body can affect your energy levels, mood, and even how you behave. Some super smart researchers are diving deep into the connection between diet and mental health, and it's become such an important field that they even call it "nutritional psychiatry."

It turns out that there's a strong link between a healthy diet and a healthy mind. It's pretty simple, really.

• fresh fruit and veggies
• salad
• organic foods and meals made from scratch (yes, you!)
• wholegrain cereals, nuts, beans, and lentils.

• sugary foods – though they cause a nice little surge in energy, that’ll soon wear off, causing a slump.
• Packets of chips
• chocolate
• fast food (maybe stick to once a week)
• takeaway (full of who knows what).

Oh, and let's not forget about alcohol. It's all about moderation here. Those Friday night drinks can be a whole lot of fun, but maybe mix things up by going for a nice dinner and a movie on Saturday instead.

Now, here's a little tip for you and your teammates: turning water consumption into a fun challenge! Many people, especially busy ones like you, struggle to drink enough water to support a healthy mind and body. So, why not make it a contest? Challenge your buddies to drink two litres of water a day and make it a fun activity!

Remember, it's all about finding a balance and making small, positive changes.

Men aren’t historically well-known for talking about their feelings. Even in 2023! Now, while this makes for a great rom-com plotline, in reality, men are at great risk for depression and anxiety because they are reluctant to talk about what’s bothering them. It's important to break that cycle and start talking about what's bothering us.

So, the next time your buddy asks you, "How ya doing?" instead of just brushing it off with a quick "alright," why not try being honest? Whether you're going through a rough patch with your partner or struggling to keep up with bills, chances are your friends have been there too. It's okay to ask for help and take care of yourself.

Make sure you are involved in activities that bring you joy and help you relax. It could be anything from playing sports to pursuing a hobby you love. And remember, if you're really struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Your local GP can guide you on getting a mental health care plan, which offers subsidised mental health care, so you can get the help you need when you need it. Take that step and prioritise your well-being.

Let's talk about something that often gets overlooked but is incredibly important for men's health: sleep. Seriously, it's a game-changer. 

Now, we were all ready to offer tips on setting sleep schedules and putting down your devices an hour before bed, which is quite often the recommended method of getting a good night’s sleep. But we reached out to Luke Foster, a psychologist at LIVIN, who takes a different and more realistic approach.

“Sleep is important,” says Luke”. “But, as a psychologist, what I find is that being too prescriptive about how much sleep people need and emphasising its importance to avoid feeling horrible can unintentionally create anxiety around sleep. You can't 'force' yourself to sleep. 

My approach is different - take the pressure off your sleep, establish a rough routine, and if you're having one of those nights where sleep isn't coming easily, get up, chill out, and go back to bed when you're tired. Try to wake up at the same time each morning; this is most effective in establishing a routine.”

Having strong, supportive relationships is really important for your mental and emotional well-being. Hang out with your loved ones, do fun things together, and make awesome memories. Being honest and having good conversations is the foundation of these close connections. Listen to each other, be open about your feelings, and create a safe space where everyone feels heard and understood. Support each other through the ups and downs of life, celebrate achievements together, and be there for each other when things get tough. Your support network not only makes you stronger but also encourages others to take care of themselves. Together, you can build a culture of kindness and understanding that makes everyone's lives happier and more meaningful. So, go ahead and invest in your relationships for a better and more fulfilling life.

Some days may be tougher than others. When you’re experiencing the winter blues, here are two things you need to know:

1. Speaking up does not make you weak. Once again - and listen closely - speaking up does NOT make you weak.
2. Speaking up is the first step to starting to feel better.

 If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or facing an emergency, please call emergency services right away at 000.

If you need someone to talk to immediately, reach out to the following helpline numbers:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

In case of an emergency, you can also go to the emergency department of your local hospital.

Please remember that the information provided here or anywhere on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any health concerns, it's important to consult a qualified healthcare provider.

As electricians, our mental well-being is as important as our technical expertise. By implementing these five tips to beat the winter blues, you can prioritise your mental health and create a positive work environment. Remember to stay active, practice self-care, connect with others, seek professional help when necessary, and utilise resources available to you.

And if you can, support our partnership with LIVIN next time you buy through Beacon Trade. There’ll be a tick box that you can check to donate a dollar to their charity, which aims to break the stigma around mental health.

Stay strong, stay connected, and remember, you're not alone.