Embracing winter: Boost your well-being with activities and resources

As winter comes with its cold weather and shorter days, it can affect how we feel. It’s important to enjoy this season while taking care of our health. There are many activities and community resources that can help you stay positive during the colder, darker months.

Stay active outdoors

Staying active is a great way to feel better mentally. Mississauga has beautiful parks and trails, even in winter. For example, the Glen Erin Trail has scenic views for a brisk walk or a quiet jog. If you’re ready to dress warmly, Lake Aquitaine is a calm place for a nature walk where you can enjoy the winter landscapes. If you like being indoors, local community centres like the Mississauga Valley Community Centre have activities like swimming and indoor soccer for everyone to enjoy.

Connect with your community

Making friends and social connections is especially important for our mental health. Winter offers many ways to connect with others in the community. The Living Arts Centre has workshops and events that encourage creativity and friendships. Whether you take a class or go to a live event, joining in local arts can boost your mood and help you meet new people.

Volunteering in the community can also give you a sense of purpose and make you feel like you belong. The City of Mississauga has many volunteering opportunities, so you can help with a worthy cause while getting to know others.

Similarly, being kind and spreading kindness to others can be equally as rewarding. If you have ever been the recipient of a small kind act, you know how large an effect it can have. And if you have ever been purposefully kind or generous to a friend or a stranger, you know how good it feels. One action, smile, compliment, or conversation can help spread kindness around our city and beyond.

Practice mindfulness and relaxation

Winter can sometimes make us feel lonely, so practising mindfulness is very important. You might want to join a wellness workshop at one of our community centres. These classes help with relaxation and managing stress, which can improve your overall mental health. If you prefer a quieter activity, you can go to Mississauga Library. They have many books and offer mindfulness workshops and meditation sessions. These resources can really help anyone who wants to be more mindful this winter.

Seek professional help

If your winter blues become more serious, it’s important to reach out for help. The City of Mississauga offers support, including resources and information, to help and empower people and families who are unhoused or experiencing mental health issues. Furthermore, talking to a professional can give you the tools you need to cope with mental health concerns and ensure you get support during this season.

Winter can be tough, so it’s important that we take care of ourselves and focus on our mental health. By trying out different activities in Mississauga, getting involved in the community, practising mindfulness, and asking for help when needed, people can feel stronger and better during the cold months. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health—so bundle up and make the most of winter in Mississauga!

Tags

• Arts and Culture
• Libraries
• Parks and Forestry
• Things to Do