From Winter Blues, To Better Moods In Beaver Dam WI

This February in Beaver Dam WI, as store windows fill with red roses and heart-shaped boxes, we are constantly reminded to celebrate our relationships with others. But there is one relationship that dictates the quality of every moment of your life, yet it rarely gets a Valentine: the relationship between your brain and your body.

We often treat our minds and bodies as if they live in different ZIP codes. We carry stress in our minds and expect our bodies to just "keep up." However, your nervous system—the vast communication network housed within your spine—is the bridge between the two. When that bridge is under tension, it’s not just your back that suffers; your mental health often pays the price. Understanding this mind–body connection invites us to care for ourselves more compassionately, choosing healing approaches that feel gentle, supportive, and whole.

The Mental Health Impact of Stress on the Body in Beaver Dam WI

Stress activates the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. When this response stays “on” for too long—common during the winter months—it can disrupt emotional regulation and mental clarity.

Chronic stress overstimulates the nervous system, making it harder to feel calm or safe. This can lead to persistent anxiety, racing thoughts, irritability, and emotional overwhelm. Stress doesn’t only overload the nervous system. Limited daylight affects serotonin (happy hormone) and melatonin (sleep hormone) production, both critical for mood stability. Stress compounds this imbalance, increasing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue often associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Winter naturally slows the body’s rhythms, yet modern life often demands constant productivity. This mismatch can worsen burnout, guilt, and self-criticism. Social isolation, limited outdoor time, and reduced sensory stimulation also deprive the nervous system of regulating input, making stress harder to release.

Ways to Relieve Stress in Winter

Focusing on supporting the nervous system, restoring balance, and honoring the body’s seasonal needs rather than forcing it to function at full capacity can help to relieve stress.

1. Socializing

Socializing during the winter months is essential for maintaining both mental and emotional well-being. Shorter days and colder weather can lead to isolation, low energy, and seasonal blues, but staying socially connected helps counteract these effects. Spending time with the right people boosts your mood, reduces stress, and provides a sense of belonging and support. Even simple gatherings or conversations can bring warmth, laughter, and motivation, making winter feel more enjoyable and balanced rather than lonely or draining.

2. Vitamin D and Other Stress Support Supplements

Gloomy days seem to stretch out forever in winter and the sun is nowhere to be found. Without the sun, our vitamin D levels in the body can drop. Vitamin D is important for rebuilding and repairing the body as well as strengthening the immune system. There is a correlation between low vitamin D levels and mood disorders. The lower your vitamin D levels, the more likely you are to experience depression and anxiety.

Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil are often used to support stress response and energy regulation. Calming herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower may help with anxiety and sleep. (Always consult a qualified practitioner before starting herbs.)

3. Exercise

Regular exercise can be a powerful tool for managing stress by boosting both physical and mental well-being. Physical activity increases the release of endorphins and serotonin, brain chemicals that help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. Exercising outdoors can be especially beneficial during darker months, as exposure to natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms and support healthy sleep patterns. Just be careful of the icy or snowy conditions. Over time, consistent movement can increase energy levels, reduce stress, and provide a sense of routine and accomplishment that helps counteract seasonal mood changes.

4. Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care helps the body shift out of survival mode by relieving stress on the nervous system. Have you ever noticed that when you’re anxious, your shoulders creep toward your ears? Or when you’re overwhelmed, you develop a nagging headache at the base of your skull? This isn't a coincidence. Emotional stress creates physical "subluxations"—misalignments in the spine that put pressure on your nerves.

When your spine is out of alignment, your body remains in a state of "high alert," or sympathetic overdrive. This is the "fight or flight" response. If your nervous system is stuck in this loop, it becomes incredibly difficult to feel calm, focused, or happy, no matter how much "self-care" you practice externally.

The Checklist: Checking your mental health in your physical self

Mental well-being can begin with a daily practice of checking in with your physical self. Use this list to see how well you are supporting your nervous system today:

• [ ] Check Your Posture: Are you "closing off" your chest or feel folded in on yourself? Rolling your shoulders back opens your airway and signals safety to your brain.
• [ ] The 5-Breath Reset: Take five slow breaths into your belly. This stimulates the nervous system to lower your heart rate and cortisol.
• [ ] Hydrate Your Spine: Your spinal discs and brain are mostly water. Proper hydration keeps communication flowing smoothly.
• [ ] Move for 10 Minutes: A short walk isn't just for your muscles; it’s a "reset" for your brain’s chemistry.
• [ ] Clear the Noise: When was your last adjustment? Removing physical nerve interference is one of the most direct ways to clear "mental fog" and reduce physical anxiety.

Final Thoughts

Stress affects mental health by disrupting the nervous system, mood regulation, and mind–body connection—effects that are often intensified in winter. By implementing the suggestions above, you can switch yourself from fight or flight mode to a more calm and relaxed mode in the body. Through gentle practices, seasonal awareness, and compassionate self-care, winter can become a time of healing rather than depletion. This Month, Practice "Internal" Self-Love. True self-love is about more than just a spa day; it’s about listening to the whispers of your body before they become screams. It’s about ensuring that your physical foundation is strong enough to support your emotional well-being.

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, tense, or disconnected, the answer might not be in a box of chocolates—it might be in your alignment. Loving yourself starts from the inside out.

Yours in Health,
Dr. Stephanie Tyjeski

Dr. Stephanie graduated in December 2016 with her Doctorate in Chiropractic at Logan University. She continued on at Logan University to receive her Masters in Nutrition and Human Performance. She is also certified as a Digestive Health Professional through the Loomis Enzyme Institute. She currently works as a chiropractor at Tyjeski Family Chiropractic and Wellness Center where she also offers personalized nutritional counseling.