Got the Winter Blues? Try These 10 Mental Health Tips
Posted on December 22, 2025
Winter can be a time to reset and unwind after the holidays. However, winter’s gray skies and shorter days can worsen anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. If you’re in crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to the nearest hospital. If you’re safe but struggling, here are 10 ways to care for your mental health:
- Stay connected: Reach out to supportive people, family, and friends. You can call 211 to get connected with resources. Learn more at mass211.org.
- Honor your needs: Do what lifts your mood. Read, meditate, or take a brisk walk.
- Stick with your meds: Don’t stop or change medications without talking to your doctor.
- Set boundaries: It’s okay to say “no” to draining events or ask for help.
- Move your body: Try yoga, tai-chi, or dancing. Use your Wellness Allowance to take a fitness class.
- Prioritize sleep: Keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid screens before bed.
- Eat well: Choose nutrient-rich foods like veggies, lean proteins, and dark chocolate.
- Limit social media: Take breaks, silence alerts, and avoid stressful news.
- Get natural light when you can: Try to spend time outside, open curtains wide, and sit near a window.
- Ask for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a health care provider. You are not alone.
As a Health New England member, you have Behavioral Health coverage, which includes mental health and substance use disorder. For help finding a mental health provider, please call our Member Services team toll-free at (877) 443-3314 (TTY: 711), Mon.—Fri., 8 a.m.—8 p.m., (Oct. 1—Mar. 31: 8 a.m.—8 p.m., 7 days/week), or visit healthnewengland.org/medicare/provider.
You also have access to our community resource partner findhelp to search for free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. Visit healthnewengland.findhelp.com or scan the code.
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