• 7 hours ago
Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Chivonna Childs gives some tips on how to fight off the loneliness that can settle in during winter months.
Transcript
00:00I think it is very important that we push through with the colder weather
00:04setting in. It may be tempting to hunker down indoors, but that can take a
00:08toll on your mental health. We still need activity. We still need to get our
00:12bodies moving. We still need to tap into that motivation and ambition and
00:16energy, even when it's low. While it can be tough to leave the house in the
00:20winter, try to still schedule regular hangouts with friends and family.
00:23Carving out this time will give you something to look forward to and help
00:26you get through the bouts of loneliness. And when the weather isn't ideal, you
00:30can always call or video chat with a loved one instead. If you're not sure
00:34who to reach out to, Dr Childs suggests starting by contacting a friend or
00:37family member you've been meaning to reconnect with. Along with socializing,
00:41finding a new hobby or project to work on can also help with the winter
00:45loneliness. Write a book. Do something you've always wanted to do. What's on
00:49your bucket list? What is the one thing you thought you'd never do because you
00:52didn't have time? You've got time now in the winter. Pick that hobby and pick
00:56it up and do it. You're more than capable. But if feelings of loneliness
01:00get too overwhelming and start impacting your daily life, don't hesitate to reach
01:04out to a mental health professional. And if you are heading out, check your
01:07AccuWeather app and use the hourly forecast to find those nice weather
01:11windows. For AccuWeather, I'm meteorologist Tony Laubach.

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