Subscribe to Get Updates
  • Login
Anxiety Gone: Your Digital Calm Corner & Mental Health Shop
Advertisement Banner
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Mental Health
    • All
    • Addiction
    • Depression
    • Generalized Anxiety
    • Health Anxiety
    • Kids Anxiety
    • Panic Disorder
    • PTSD
    • Seasonal Affective Disorder
    • Senior Mental Health
    • Sexual Abuse
    • Sleep Anxiety
    • Social Anxiety
    Woman resting with a journal, fidget ring, and self-care items nearby, practicing mental health strategies while managing chronic illness.

    Powerful Tips for Managing Mental Health with Chronic Illness

    Veteran using AI-powered mental health app in a calm setting, symbolizing the role of technology in military mental health recovery.

    How New AI Is Transforming Military Mental Health

    Person journaling with a calming drink and fidget ring, reflecting on mental clarity during their sobriety and mental health journey.

    Understanding The Powerful Link Between Sobriety and Mental Health

    Child holding a worry stone and fidget ring during a pediatric visit, showing how pediatric services help manage childhood anxiety through emotional support and grounding techniques.

    The Surprising Role Pediatricians Can Help With Treating Childhood Anxiety

    A person holding a worry stone while practicing grounding techniques for anxiety, symbolizing the connection between trauma and anxiety relief through self-care items and relaxation gifts like fidget rings,

    Can Trauma Cause Anxiety? Breaking Down the Complex Connection

    woman with generalized anxiety disorder, using her fidget ring for anxiety relief

    Breaking Down Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What Is GAD?

    Person in a wheelchair practicing mindfulness outdoors, using a fidget ring, symbolizing anxiety relief and emotional wellness while living with a physical disability.

    Coping with Anxiety When Living with a Physical Disability

    A person offering support and encouragement, symbolizing how to support mental health through kindness, advocacy, and awareness.

    How to Support Mental Health: 9 Meaningful Ways to Make a Difference

    Woman sitting by a seasonal depression lamp with a fidget ring and cup of herbal tea for anxiety.

    The Ultimate Winter Wellness Plan: 10 Ways to Tackle Seasonal Depression

    Trending Tags

    • Techniques
      • All
      • Breathing Exercises
      • Gratitude
      • Meditation
      • Mindfulness
      • Reflexology
      • Self-Talk Techniques
      • Sleep Tips
      • Tapping
      coping mechanisms for anxiety

      How to Deal with Anxiety: 13 Coping Methods That’ll Keep You Calm

      Person using a fidget ring and journal as part of a healthy sleep routine for anxiety relief, surrounded by calming self-care items and soft lighting.

      How to Develop a Healthy Sleep Routine to Combat Anxiety

      Woman practicing deep breathing exercises with a fidget ring, using mindfulness techniques to calm an anxiety attack.

      How To Calm Anxiety Attacks: Tips For Quick & Long-Term Relief

      a women trying out different types of grounding techniques for anxiety relief, like fidget rings, deep breathing and more.

      Types of Grounding Everyone With Anxiety Should Know

      Adult's and child's bare feet on green summer grass as a grounding technique for anxiety

      37 Effective Grounding Techniques for Anxiety Relief Right Now

      Woman sitting by a seasonal depression lamp with a fidget ring and cup of herbal tea for anxiety.

      The Ultimate Winter Wellness Plan: 10 Ways to Tackle Seasonal Depression

      Person practicing yoga at sunrise on a dock, demonstrating calming strategies to manage anxiety with mindfulness and grounding techniques, like fidget rings

      12 Powerful Everyday Strategies to Manage Anxiety in Utah (or Anywhere)

      A beautifully crafted vision board with images, affirmations, and symbolic items like crystals for healing and fidget rings, designed to inspire goal-setting and mental health focus.

      How to Make a Vision Board That Actually Works

      A vibrant vision board with images, quotes, affirmations, and symbolic items like crystals for healing, fidget rings, and worry stones, representing goal setting, manifestation, and inspiration for the New Year.

      11 Ways to Prepare for New Year Wishes: A Guide to Start Fresh with Positivity

      Trending Tags

      • Tools
        • All
        • CBD
        • Essential Oils
        • Fidget Tools
        • Medications
        • Self Help Books
        • Sleep Aids
        • Supplements
        a collection of spinning anxiety rings

        The Ultimate Guide to Anxiety Rings for Women, Men & Kids: How They Work & Why You Need One

        the best herbs for anxiety can be found in herbal supplements

        12 Powerful Herbal Supplements for Anxiety That Actually Work

        Fidget rings with healing crystals for anxiety relief.

        10 Powerful Crystals for to Lift Your Mood During Seasonal Depression

        A selection of the best cannabis strains for anxiety relief, featuring calming buds, natural stress relief options, and relaxation-focused varieties for mental wellness.

        The Best Cannabis Strains for a Relaxing Start to 2025

        Smartphone displaying an app for anxiety disorder with guided meditations and stress relief tools.

        Powerful Mental Health Apps That Double As Your Digital Calm Guide

        A calming flat-lay featuring CBD oil, worry stones, fidget rings, and healing crystals for anxiety relief, promoting natural stress management and self-care tools.

        Cannabis for Stress: Your New BFF for Relaxation

        light therapy for seasonal affective disorder being experienced by a woman wearing a fidget ring standing in front of a phototherapy for seasonal depression

        No More Winter Blues with Phototherapy for Seasonal Depression

        CBD, Cannabidiol, Hemp oil, CBD benefits, CBD products, CBD oil, CBD health, Cannabinoids, CBD wellness, CBD uses

        The Best CBD for Anxiety and Total Relaxation

        The Blessing Book - A self-improvement book with gratitude quotes, gratitude exercises, spiritual gifts, healing stones, self-care items, and tools for personal growth, emotional healing, and anxiety relief

        The Blessing Book: A Life-Changing Self-Improvement Guide to Gratitude, Resilience, and Growth

        Trending Tags

        • Treatments
          • All
          • Alternative Therapies
          • Apps
          • Online Therapy
          Person journaling and using a fidget ring while researching outpatient vs inpatient anxiety therapy options for mental health support.

          Outpatient vs Inpatient Anxiety Therapy: What’s The Difference?

          "A compassionate mental health provider consulting with a patient, offering expert care for anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being. Find the best mental health provider with the right credentials, therapy options, and holistic approaches like self-care items, crystals for anxiety, and relaxation gifts.

          How to Select the Best Mental Healthcare Provider for Your Needs

          A person getting mental health support for anxiety, using fidget rings, crystals for anxiety and other coping tools in addition to online therapy for anxiety.

          Mental Health Support for Anxiety and Depression: Types of Professionals and Their Roles

          Ayahuasca brew in a traditional Amazonian setting, used for anxiety relief, emotional healing, spiritual growth, mental wellness, and holistic therapy.

          Everything You Should Know About Ayahuasca For Anxiety

          A serene med spa environment featuring luxurious treatments, relaxing fidget rings, spinning rings, and thoughtful mental health gifts for revitalization and self-care.

          10 Ways a Med Spa Can Help You Revitalize Yourself

          Acupuncturist targeting pressure points for anxiety, including Yintang and Spirit Gate, to promote the use of calming self-care items like fidget rings and wellness tools in the background.

          Acupuncture for Anxiety: Best Pressure Points to Relieve Anxiety

          A compassionate family therapist in Rhode Island guiding a family through counseling in a warm, supportive setting.

          Tips for Choosing Family Therapy Services in Rhode Island

          Online therapy, Virtual counseling, Teletherapy, E-therapy, Internet counseling, Remote mental health, Telepsychology, Digital therapy, Web-based counseling, Cybertherapy, group therapy

          6 Best Online Therapy Services for Healing in 2025

          Therapist guiding a patient through an EMDR therapy session for trauma and PTSD recovery.

          How EMDR Therapy Restores Hope and Heals PTSD for Good

          Trending Tags

          • Parenting
          • Lifestyle
          No Result
          View All Result
          Anxiety Gone
          No Result
          View All Result
          • Home
          • Shop
          • Mental Health
          • Techniques
          • Tools
          • Treatments
          • Parenting
          • Lifestyle
          Home Overcoming Anxiety

          4 Ways Veterans Can Make Health a Priority This Winter

          Chantal McCulligh by Chantal McCulligh
          June 23, 2023
          in Overcoming Anxiety
          0
          Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

          Full Disclosure: Clicking on these links could mean a tiny commission for me, at no extra cost to you.

          The year is winding down, and with that comes many emotions— other than holiday excitement. With short, dark days and long nights, many people start to feel the physical and mental effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), commonly referred to as winter depression, during this time of year. While SAD affects everyone differently, it can impact some communities more severely than others. Within the last decade, studies have shown that veterans are five times more likely to suffer from depression and mental illness than civilians— not to mention 15 times more likely to experience PTSD specifically. So, in this article, we’ll provide veterans with seasonal affective disorder self care tips and how to make health a priority this winter.

          Practical Self Care Tips for Veterans

          The compounded stressors of the military lifestyle put the veteran community at risk for SAD, among other physical and mental health issues. Whether you’re newly retired or your service was many years ago, it’s equally important to keep these tips at the top of your mind this winter and beyond. Of course, thinking about health as a whole can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve broken it down into four simple, manageable steps.

           

          Monitor Physical Changes

          The first step in taking care of yourself this winter is to keep an eye on any changes in your physical health. Veterans can be more prone to chronic pain, hearing loss, or arthritis from their time in the service. These issues often tend to worsen during the winter and colder weather, so now is the time to start being aware of your body and how it may be affecting your winter depression. Depending on where you served and for how long, there are other long-term and severe health conditions to look out for.

          In recent years, new studies and inspections have found forever chemical exposures on bases across all branches of the military. You may have recently seen commercials or news coverage about the toxic exposures at Camp Lejeune, which have now been linked to various cancers, birth defects, and other health issues. It’s important to stay up to date on the affected military bases and monitor any abnormal symptoms you may be experiencing. Outside of military bases, different types of military equipment and gear also could have led to exposure to hazardous materials during your time in the service.

          Now that you’re up to date on the possible risks, what’s next? The simple answer is to make sure you’re attending regular doctor appointments. It’s rare to find someone who enjoys going to the doctor, however, as a veteran you need to stay on top of your health and keep your doctor in the loop. Make sure to disclose any irregularities in your current health, as well as your military and family histories. This will allow your doctor to examine you properly and perform any additional tests they feel necessary.

          If you’re unsure what health insurance covers, or if you’re eligible for other military insurance benefits, find out more here (or the Veterans Affairs Canada for Canadians.

           

          Exercise Regularly

          Aside from being proactive with doctor visits and self-examinations, another way to stay on top of your physical and mental health is to get out and exercise. Something as simple as a morning walk on the treadmill or joining a community kickball league can be a great start. Daily fitness may seem like an obvious essential for anyone trying to stay in shape, but for veterans struggling with their mental state, these small activities can make a noticeable impact on daily happiness.

          In a 2014 study, the VA estimated approximately 78% of veterans are overweight or obese. This increases the possibility of physical problems like heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. On top of that, being overweight or obese is also connected to a decline in mental health. This domino effect needs to be stopped at the source, and exercise is a great start.

          If you’re a veteran struggling with weight gain, don’t feel like you need to snap back into shape by buying a gym membership or running a marathon. In fact, small activities can go a long way. Start with low-impact exercises to make sure you’re not adding any additional stress onto your joints. Two great examples with many benefits are walking and swimming. Walking for 30 minutes a day can help improve your cardiovascular health, maintain your weight, and strengthen your bones. Not only that, but walking can also give you more energy and focus as you take on your daily responsibilities.

          If you have access to a local pool, swimming is another great exercise to try. Swimming is one of the lowest-impact exercises and is a great way to both stretch your muscles and improve blood flow and circulation. Look at local YMCAs, colleges or universities, or community centers for available pools in your area.

           

          Maintain a Healthy Diet

          In addition to exercise and regular doctor appointments, watching what you eat can also make a significant difference in your overall well-being. A well-balanced diet can keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check, maintain your gut health, improve your mood and even your sleep habits.

          The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recognized that veterans tend to have a lower-quality diet than non-veterans. This behavior can be associated with the meals provided on bases during the time of service. The continued consumption of solid fats— certain meats, vegetable oils, and dairy products— in combination with high amounts of less-nutritious added sugars contribute to this discrepancy in diet quality. Due to this, it’s a good practice to keep added sugars to under 10% of your calorie intake and to eat more healthy fats— avocado, fish, and nuts. Also, incorporate more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your everyday diet. If you’re looking for a good place to start, utilize the VA services for nutrition and dietary care.

          A healthy diet doesn’t start and end with less junk food and more greens, it also extends into other consumption habits. Nicotine and alcohol consumption also greatly contribute to weight gain and depressed thoughts. If you’re someone struggling with SAD or depression in a more severe case, regularly consuming a depressant (alcohol) will only contribute to this decline. Reducing alcohol and nicotine usage can help to limit this decline.

           

          Prioritize Mental Wellness

          All three of the above tips can have a direct effect on your overall mental health; however, a little exercise and a healthier diet aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution for SAD and winter depression. There are other natural remedies to help ease seasonal depression, including light therapy, vitamin D supplements, and mental health counseling.

          Use a SAD Light

          light therapy, light therapy for anxiety, light therapy for depression, phototherapy, SAD lamp, seasonal affective disorder, portable SAD lamp, benefits of light therapy, what is light therapy, how does light therapy work, SAD light,

          Studies show that light therapy can greatly minimize the symptoms of depression during the dark winter months. Investing in a SAD lamp can be an inexpensive and productive start in improving your daily mood. A SAD lamp simulates sunlight in an attempt to increase serotonin production. By sitting in front of the lamp for 10-20 minutes each morning, you can get that much-needed light your body needs to wake up and feel energized for the day. It can also reduce the amount of melatonin your body produces during the daytime, which causes you to feel tired and unfocused.

          Take Your Supplements

          Vitamin D supplements are another way to combat the symptoms of SAD. Sunlight is the largest and most important source of natural vitamin D, which is why gloomy winter months can often provide an insufficient amount of what the body needs. Vitamin D helps to build and maintain bone health, strengthen your immune system and boost mood. Taking supplements of vitamin D while the days are short and dark can give your body that missing piece to help it function.

           

          Whether you struggle with SAD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any other mental illness, counseling is an important and incredibly effective route to look into for any veteran. The VA provides counseling services through 300 locations across all 50 states. Reach out to a representative to look at the best options for you.

          If you’re in Canada, you want to explore The Veterans Affair Canada counseling options.

           

          To our veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice. We wish nothing but good health and happiness for those who bravely served our country. We hope these simple tips can help jump-start you into a healthier winter season and help combat the symptoms of SAD.

          Related

          Advertisement Banner
          Previous Post

          Depression and Anxiety: How to Tell Which One You’re Facing

          Next Post

          Functional Mushrooms 101: Mental Health Benefits & How To Use Them

          Chantal McCulligh

          Chantal McCulligh

          Chantal is the heart and soul behind this mental health and wellness community. Her journey into the world of mental health is deeply personal, stemming from her own battles with anxiety and panic disorder. This personal connection fuels her passion for making mental health discussions more accessible, relatable, and free of stigma.

          Next Post
          Functional Mushrooms 101: Mental Health Benefits & How To Use Them

          Functional Mushrooms 101: Mental Health Benefits & How To Use Them














































          Mental Health, Sent Right To Your Inbox

          ✨ Free Mental Health Tips Weekly

          Sign up and receive calming tools, expert advice, and special offers to help support your mental wellness.














          Most Helpful

          increase dopamine levels

          How to Boost Dopamine: 14 Ways to Increase Dopamine Naturally

          7 years ago
          Billy Bob Thornton's mental health, interview, weird facts, phobias, mental illness, child abuse, trauma, OCD, success stories, celebrities with mental illness

          The Pain and Glory of Billy Bob Thornton: A Mental Health Journey Like No Other

          5 months ago
          calming plants for anxiety and depression

          12 Best Calming Plants for Anxiety for Transforming Your Space and Mind

          8 years ago
          the dare program, dare anxiety method, dare program anxiety, dare anxiety technique,

          The DARE Program: A Simple & Effective Tool for Managing Anxiety

          7 years ago
          personal boundaries, relationship boundaries, setting boundaries

          7 Types of Boundaries to Have in Place For Your Mental Health

          1 year ago
























































          JOIN OUR SOCIALS

          ♥ Your digital calm corner.
          Rest; don’t quit.

          Connect with people who actually get it & receive your daily dose of dopamine & serotonin at the same time.

          Must-Try
























          Anxiety Gone: Your Digital Calm Corner and Mental Health Shop

          © 2025 Anxiety Gone

          Support The Movement

          • About
          • Donate
          • Join Newsletter
          • Mental Health Resources
          • Contact
          • Privacy & Policy

          Join The Club

          Welcome Back!

          Login to your account below

          Forgotten Password?

          Retrieve your password

          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

          Log In

          Join 300+ Amazing Entrepreneurs who took the risk and succeeded!

          Here is your chance to be part of the exclusive Freedom Empowerer Group!

           

          Start to grow your business with the best tips!

          Here is your chance to get access to my exclusive freebies!

          Start to grow your business with the best tips!

          Here is your chance to get access to my exclusive freebies!

          Join our free newsletter for those interested in improving their mental health!

          Get helpful tips and expert advice sent right to your inbox.

          No Result
          View All Result
          • Home
          • Shop
          • Mental Health
          • Techniques
          • Tools
          • Treatments
          • Parenting
          • Lifestyle

          © 2025 Anxiety Gone

          This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.