As we near the end of January, many of us are trying to hold onto our resolutions – or maybe we’re not. Two-thirds of people abandon their resolutions within the first month. And we don’t judge. January is cold and long, and sometimes long, cold months can make us feel pretty discouraged.

Anytime is the right time to give yourself a little extra TLC, though. January is Mental Wellness Month… and Bell Let’s Talk Day is just around the corner. So, with resolutions aside, we want to pivot and think about ways to honour our mind, body, and spirit. Live, laugh, and love as the most Zen version of yourself with our local guide to mental well-being. Sunny days are ahead!

Raise Your Vibration with Crystals

Despite what you may believe, crystals aren’t just pretty rocks – they’re a powerful tool used to raise your vibration and believed to contain several healing properties. From bringing peace to the mind to helping secure abundance, the list seems endless. Plus – celebrities vouch for them. Agora Marketplace on John Street carries a wide selection of crystal towers, such as Amethyst which increases spiritual awareness, nobility, and healing.

Create A Cozy Space

The easiest way to Zen out at the end of the day is by creating a Zen space within your home. Pure Boutique has everything you need to set the perfect atmosphere. Grab a pair of wooden prayer beads to drape over a mirror, hook, or display on a coffee table. They’re a symbol of love, luck, and meditation. Add a candle for some ambiance, a cheerful pillow to lift your spirits, and a sign to remind you you’re magic – and you have the perfect space to escape to after a long day.

Check-In with a Therapist

Life is uncertain. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And sometimes love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s ok to ask for some help. The Peachy Counselling team is comprised of Registered Social Workers and Psychotherapists who offer professional, therapeutic support for individuals, families, and workplaces, who want guidance navigating through difficult issues or events. And better yet, they offer a free 20-minute consultation.

Find Peace with CBD

CBD – It’s a buzzy word at the moment but what does it mean? CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound from the Cannabid sativa plant, whish is also known as marijuana. But here’s the kicker, CBD doesn’t make you high. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven to repair many physiological systems in the human brain and body. Pain management, anxiety, depression, even pet health – CBD can relieve symptoms of them all. Bodega on Pearl Street has everything from beauty products, bath bombs, and oral oils to help you find peace within the day.

Go for a Float

Go Float offers floatation therapy known to relieve stress and increase relaxation. It has been proven to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and can be used to treat a wide range of conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, and chronic pain. Floatation therapy is the practice of floating on your back in 10″ of body temperature water that is saturated with 1000 Ibs of Epsom salt within a float tank. The tank is completely dark and silent. You won’t be fighting gravity as the buoyancy created by the dense Epsom-salt solution takes care of that for you!

Move Your Workout Outdoors

Nature walks help combat stress while improving mental well-being. Bundle up and get some fresh air by the lake in beautiful Spencer Smith Park.  If you’re looking for a longer run or stroll, continue along the Beachway Park path to the Hamilton lift bridge and back for a total trip of 6km if you start from the Burlington Pier!

Toss in Some Greenery

Plants lift your spirit. Flowers generate happiness and a connection with nature makes people feel more relaxed. Overall, adding flowers to your home or work environment reduces stress and makes you feel more relaxed, secure, and happy. If there’s one place that makes us happy, it’s Centro Garden. Their outdoor courtyard is loaded with seasonal greenery all-year-round. While inside their adorable store you can find everything from succulents – to make life succ just a little bit less, to flowers, trees, and even adorable arrangements.   

And there you have it, a toolbox full of unique and easy mental wellness tips to lift your spirits in even the coldest months.

Written by Guest Blogger Anneliese Lawton