Maintaining mental health this winter

Newmark’s Director of Wellness, Steve Uria, has been driving wellness and fitness innovation in South Africa for 35 years. From entrepreneurial endeavours that saw him launch the first ever outdoor boot camp, to roles as diverse as Head Trainer for MGM Studios in Los Angeles to Chief Health and Wellness Officer for Fintech’s Ozow brand, Uria is a respected advisor and wellness expert.
Here, he shares his tips on how to beat the winter blues and stay mentally healthy this winter.

Welcome to the dreary, colder, and darker daytime hours of winter. As we head into the mean season, it's crucial to prepare ourselves physically and mentally for the changes ahead. While winters in South Africa are milder compared to many places, adjustments are still necessary. Here are some tips for maintaining mental health this winter…

1. Dose up on Vitamin D
To ensure mental well-being, consider taking walks in the daylight, even though it's winter sun—it still provides a good dose of vitamin D and promotes a sense of vitality. A well-lit office environment also helps to combat the feeling of dreary days. Remember to get up from your desk, take regular breaks, and keep moving to maintain high spirits.
 

2. IV Drip Infusion
Another cool option to revitalize is an IV drip infusion. This delivers essential nutrients and fluids directly into your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive tract. This increases your energy levels, decreases stress and anxiety, enhances skin tone and improves skin quality.
 

3. Coworker community and communication
Engage with coworkers through gamified movement challenges to nurture group energy and enjoyable interactions. Open communication with trusted colleagues can often be the best release for negative energy. Reach out to a therapist if you need to speak to someone.  
 

4. Organise a getaway
Take advantage of off days to regroup and reset. Consider a local staycation at an Airbnb to break from the mundane routine. Prioritize self-care and self-love for overall wellness and peace of mind. 
 

5. Accountability partnerships
The likelihood of coming down with flu is heightened during the winter months. Consider having an accountability partner at work to offer support as we navigate through winter. This should provide peace of mind in the unfortunate instance that you need to take time off to recover from illness.