By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
As the holiday season casts its long shadow with shorter days and increased social isolation, Dr. Steven Grover of McGill University emphasizes the profound benefits of exercise as a remedy for the mental and physical health challenges that many face during this time. With insights on combating Seasonal Affective Disorder, loneliness, and the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies winter’s chill, Dr. Grover’s advice offers a beacon of hope. His expert opinion underscores the vital role of physical activity in maintaining wellbeing, particularly in a season marked by overindulgence and potential disconnect.
“As we go into the holiday season there are a bunch of things that are working against us in terms of mental health,” said Grover. If you are about to spend two weeks celebrating with family and friends, he added, you likely have it covered. For those who are less fortunate, it is a tough time for a number of reasons:
1) The shortest days of the year are upon us and the lack of sunlight in Canada is “problematic”. Anyone with even a tendency towards Seasonal Affective Disorder will start to feel the effects of less daylight on their sleep, mood and eating habits. “The absence of light is not healthy.”
2) For those who will not be soon surrounded by family, social connectivity will start to fall off, given they will not be working and may see their friends less. “Loneliness, to various degrees, is a major issue.”
3) Poor weather can be a problem as well, making getting out of the house difficult. Many will likely not exercise as much as they usually do.
Lack of exercise is a particularly important factor here, since it is the main and most efficient remedy to all of the above problems. Exercise outdoors is ideal, but indoor exercise will suffice if that is not possible. Regular exercise helps you sleep better, and lowers anxiety, stress and depression symptoms.
“The research data on exercise is so compelling,” he insisted, it has been shown to be as good as any medication out there, some data suggesting it is even better. He emphasized that he is not proposing prescribed medication should be replaced by exercise.
Exercise also helps you manage metabolic health risk factors, he continued, such as a blood pressure and blood sugar levels, with or without diabetes. It is crucial at a time when you might be partying, overeating and gaining weight. Even if you have no physical or mental health issues, “getting out is really important”.
For those without a holiday-time social circle, getting out to a gym or community centre is a great idea. He does not believe digital social connections are as good as real social connections. But they are better than nothing, “certainly better than watching television all day long”.
Superior to social media, he suggests, is a “facetime” or “zoom” interaction where you can see the other person’s face. People can get down on themselves on social media by looking at how others present their lives. “Everybody is posting about how great their life is.” This is the time of year that these forms of distress are likely to occur, so people need to know feeling this way is normal and they are not alone.
Finally, Grover extolled the virtues of “mindfulness”. Good information can be found on YouTube as to how to relax mindfully. The holidays are an excellent time to learn how to practice mindfulness, which can be done in a few weeks. “It’s not that complicated.”
Accessing mental health resources in Estrie
Mental Health Estrie was contacted by The Record for a quick list of suggestions on some good options for those struggling with their mental health this holiday season. For those seeking mental health support in the Estrie region, a variety of resources are available:
– Mental Health Estrie offers assistance and can be contacted at 819-565-3777 or through their email at info@mentalhealthestrie.com
– 811 Health Line: To speak with a nurse, choose option 1, or for a psychosocial intervener, select option 2.
– CHUS’ Hotel-Dieu and Fleurimont hospitals provide services at 819-346-1110.
– The provincial helpline for suicide prevention is available at 1-866-277-3556 for those in crisis.
– Kids Help Phone offers support for young people. You can call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 for assistance.
– Vent Over Tea is an online platform offering a listening ear, accessible at ventovertea.com
– Secours Amitié Estrie is available at 819-564-2323 for those needing someone to talk to.