Learning to Be Kind to Yourself 101 1/2

 

The Importance of Mental Health Maintenance in the Winter: 
                        Learning to Be Kind to Yourself 101 1/2

When winter arrives, it brings shorter days, colder nights, and sometimes heavier emotions. While cozy blankets and snowy evenings have their charm, winter can also be challenging for mental health.

That’s why mental health maintenance is so important this time of year. Just like a winter garden that needs care even when it looks bare, your mind thrives when nurtured with patience and kindness.

                      ❄️ Shift the Winter Mindset ❄️

Instead of focusing only on results — weight lost, tasks completed, or goals checked off — try shifting to how things make you feel.

👉 Replace “I have to exercise” with “I get to move my body to feel better.”
👉 Celebrate even 5–10 minutes of gentle activity.

Small steps matter. Consistency counts more than intensity.

                     🌼 Make It Personal & Fun 🌼

Wellness doesn’t need to feel like a chore.

• Dance in your room to a favorite song

• Try yoga with soft lighting

• Bundle up for a short walk

• Add creativity: Playful, When it’s fun, it’s sustainable.

                

              🪴Build Gentle Routines with Rewards🪴

Structure can keep you steady in the winter months. Pair routines with small joys:

• Listen to your favorite podcast only on walks

• Mark off a daily tracker for motivation

• Light a candle or brew tea after completing a short meditation

✨ Self-care becomes something to look forward to, not another box to check.

                           🌻 Connect to Meaning🌻

When energy feels low, tap into your values.

• Movement isn’t just for fitness — it’s for stress relief, sleep, ADHD focus, or grounding.

• Think of wellness as strengthening yourself to better show up for family, friends, and passions.

This makes your efforts feel purposeful, not just routine.

           💙 Lower the Pressure & Practice Kindness💙

Winter can be tough. Some days you’ll feel motivated, others you’ll need rest. That’s okay.

🌱 Kindness to yourself is not laziness — it’s wisdom.

Like a garden resting in winter, even when growth isn’t visible, important work is happening under the surface.

 

 🌿Everyday Practices for Winter Wellness🌿

✅ Practice mindfulness – 5 minutes of breathing or meditation
✅ Move daily – Walking, stretching, or dancing
✅ Stay connected – A quick text or call keeps relationships strong
✅ Make time for joy – Reading, cooking, or hobbies that soothe you
✅ Limit screen time – Too much scrolling fuels anxiety
✅ Ask for help early – Therapy and counseling are signs of strength

🌼 10-Minute Gentle Movement Routine🌼

Minute 1–2: Sunflower Stretch 🌻

Arms up like petals reaching for the sun, deep breaths.

Minute 3–4: Storm Sweep 🍂
Side steps with arms swinging as if sweeping leaves.

Minute 5–6: Dragonfly Wings 🪰
Arm circles forward and back, imagining dragonflies above.

Minute 7–8: Garden Path Walk 🚶
March in place, picturing walking through a peaceful garden.

Minute 9: Henchy Shake 🎶
                                            Freestyle dance — loosen up, wiggle, and enjoy.

                                            Minute 10: Golden Dew Cool Down 💧
                                            Hand on heart & stomach, slow breathing, imagining morning dew.

      ☀️ When to Reach Out for Support ☀️

• Persistent sadness or emptiness

• Trouble sleeping or eating

• Feeling hopeless or overwhelmed

• Withdrawing from things you love

💡Henchy Reminder💡You don’t need to wait until a crisis— reaching out early is an act of strength.

Trusted Resources:

• NAMI – Support & education

• SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988

• Mental Health America – Self-assessments & resources

• The Trevor Project – Support for LGBTQ+ youth

         🌱 Winter Wellness Reminder Box🌱

🌼 Pause & Breathe – Take 3 deep breaths right now
🌼 Step Outside – Even 5 minutes of fresh air shifts your mood
🌼 Stay Connected – Call or text someone who matters
🌼 Seek Help When Needed – 988 for crisis, 1-800-662-HELP for support

Take care of yourself the way you take care of your garden — patiently, gently, and with love. 🌿💙

✨ Henchy Thought ✨ : Winter may seem long and quiet, but remember: just like gardens rest and prepare for spring, so can you. The kindness you show yourself today becomes the resilience and strength that blooms tomorrow. 🌻

  With sun on your face and soil in your hands, 

                   —Welcome to the Henchy Family farms Community.

                                                                       -Raquel Henchy, 

                                                                                  Henchy Family Farms 🌻

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© Henchy Family Farms

                 Zone 7

Jersey Shore, New Jersey