Spring Activities to Boost Seniors’ Mental Health
With longer daylight hours and warmer weather, it’s a great time to shake off those winter blues. Many people have been stuck indoors because of COVID-19 and the cold, which can increase feelings of depression and loneliness. We’re taking a closer look at some ways to boost your mood while enjoying the change in seasons.
Simply spend time outdoors. Just getting out and breathing in the fresh air and soaking in some natural sunlight can do wonders for your mood. Go for a walk around your neighborhood or sit out on your porch with a good book. Watch as the trees bud, flowers bloom, birds build nests, and more critters emerge.
Plant flowers. Spruce up your yard by turning over old soil, pulling weeds, and planting some of your favorite flowers. Choose bright, colorful blooms that make you smile and make your space look more alive. You can even mix and match plants of different types and heights.
Start a garden. A garden can give you something to look forward to every day. You can slowly watch the seeds turn into plants and then enjoy your favorite vegetables as they grow and ripen. You can grow everything from tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers to peas, carrots, and peppers. Choose veggies you love to eat, or even some new ones that you’ve been wanting to try. Don’t have a lot of space for an outdoor garden? Consider container gardening instead!
Make a birdfeeder. You don’t need to spend money on anything fancy when you can make a birdfeeder at home. You can use a plastic water bottle or milk jug, a paper plate, a tin can, some scraps of wood, or other materials that can hold birdseed or berries. Use some string to tie it in a tree, or secure it to a railing or windowsill. Count how many different types of birds come to enjoy a snack!
Have a picnic. Pack up a blanket, some water, and your favorite foods and go on a picnic. You can spread out in a park or nature reserve and take in your surroundings with a family member or friend. It’s also a great way to socialize while social distancing because each person can have their own space.
Go to an outdoor event. As the weather gets nicer, more organizations are shifting events outside again. You can listen to music, take in a show, watch a movie, participate in a fitness class, or do other activities. Ask around to see what is happening in your area.
Move exercise outside. If you’re tired of staring at the walls of your house as you exercise, take it outside instead. You can do yoga, stretches, cardio, aerobics, biking, swimming, hiking, running, and countless other types of exercise while enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and change of scenery.
Take steps to boost your mood this spring and get involved with a variety of activities. An in-home caregiver can not only provide you with companionship but can also escort you on outings, help you find different classes to sign up for, and assist with a range of daily activities. Contact Always Best Care today at (855) 470-2273 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how you could benefit from available senior services.
