Whether you like it or not, winter and its icy weather has arrived. Around town, you’ll see Fayettevillians wrapped up in oversized coats, scarves, gloves, and beanies. Winter can be a beautiful season – northwest Arkansas in the snow is a grand sight to see. But hidden under the natural beauty is a deep feeling of isolation. As you wait for the weather to warm back up, it’s vital to cultivate an environment that encourages positive mental wellness, and Fayetteville has several resources for this.
Physical Health
- Caring For Your Body: Crunch Fitness of Fayetteville has every resource needed to encourage maintaining physical health. The gym offers a wide variety of exercise equipment and treadmills, but the fitness center also offers group workouts, stationary bicycles, and, if you’re struggling to warm up in winter weather, a sauna. If hardcore workouts aren’t your thing, Trailside Yoga provides a more serene form of exercise. Seeking comfort? Solace Day Spa offers several forms of care, including facials, massages, and skincare.
- A Balanced Diet: Fueling your body with healthy ingredients is necessary for tending to one’s mental health. Shopping for groceries at Ozark Natural Foods can both support local vendors and provide organic ingredients to be used in your next meal.
- Staying Warm: Regardless of your choice of winter activity, dressing for the occasion is a necessity for both physical and mental health. Luckily, Fayetteville has a variety of local stores to consider when preparing for the outdoors. Local boutiques such as Darcy Apparel and RiffRaff offer upscale sweaters and coats. For the thrifters, local hot spots Recollect and Cheap Thrills offer curated selections of vintage clothes and accessories.
Emotional Health
- Less Screen Time: It’s easy to bundle up in your bed and binge-watch a series or scroll through Instagram, but spending too much time in front of a screen can have a detrimental effect on mental health. Replacing your screen time with more productive activities is a great way to start off the new year. Dickson Street Books offers a wide selection of used books to select your next read. Additionally, the Fayetteville Public Library has a wide selection of new books that are completely free.
- Separate Work from Home: If you find yourself working from home this winter – whether full-time or temporarily – separating your work from your personal time can have a positive impact on your day. Try working from a different room in your house or relocating to a local coffee shop like Puritan Coffee & Beer or Old Pine Coffee Roasters for a warm beverage.
Finding Community
- Local Groups: Finding a community to call home has many mental benefits, and Fayetteville has a wide selection of local groups, including running groups sponsored by Rush Running Co., tabletop gaming clubs at Gear Gaming, or church community groups.
- Online Community: Sometimes, the weather is just too treacherous to safely leave your home. Try using the technology around you to your advantage and bring the outside world to you! Start a virtual book club with friends and co-workers or attempt a workout routine with your friends over Facetime. The possibilities are endless.
- Seek Support in a Crisis: If you or someone you know is experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, help is available. Call The Arkansas Crisis Center at 988 or 911 for immediate assistance.
Winter doesn’t have to feel isolating. By embracing local resources and prioritizing physical, emotional, and social well-being, you can transform this season into an opportunity for growth and connection.