6 Ways Seniors Can Ward Off the Winter Blues
Winter can be a tough time because the daylight hours are shorter, temperatures are colder, and days are often drearier. Being stuck inside can make anyone feel more depressed and anxious. Plus, seniors may feel down around the holidays thinking about loved ones they’ve lost along the way. But there are plenty of ways to boost your mood and fight back against the winter blues.
- Get outside.
Bundle up and enjoy the crisp air and sunlight even if just for a little bit. It can be a refreshing change of scenery and remind you of the beauty of nature. If you can’t get outside, open the curtains, let the light stream in, and spend some time sitting near the window reading, doing puzzles, or being crafty.
- Spend time with friends.
Nothing boosts your mood quite like laughing with good friends. Surround yourself with people you love and who always know how to make you smile. Make plans to get together at least once a week for lunch, shopping, a movie, or just hanging out.
- Plan activities or trips.
Give yourself something to look forward to by planning activities in advance. Knowing that you have a trip or event coming up can make the days pass more quickly and keep you excited about what’s to come. It doesn’t have to be anything big either – weekly book club meetings, watching a grandchild’s basketball games, or getting your nails done can all be things you look forward to.
- Stay active.
Exercise increases endorphins which are natural mood boosters. If you’re feeling down, go for a walk, swim in an indoor pool, practice yoga or tai chi, or hit the gym for a bit. Keep your body moving, even if you don’t feel like it at the time. Chances are, you’ll feel a lot better afterward, especially if you exercise on a daily basis.
- Carry out traditions.
Help yourself feel better by doing things you enjoy with the people you love. Is the highlight of winter building a snowman and then sipping hot cocoa with your family? Do you always make a fire and then watch a favorite movie together? Engage in old traditions and don’t be afraid to create new ones too so your family can keep passing them down for years to come. It can feel good to know you’re keeping these memories alive.
- Set goals.
Choose some things that you want to work toward over the next few weeks. Some can be short-term goals that you can knock out in a day, and others can be tasks that take longer. Seeing the results of your work and being able to check things off your to-do list can be very encouraging and motivating. It can help you get out of a rut by having something to do and a goal in sight.
Partnering with an in-home caregiver can also be a wonderful way to ensure you have companionship and support for the activities that you want to do. A caregiver can help you schedule plans, stay organized, prepare meals, get to different events, and much more. Plus, you’ll have someone to talk to and share stories with. Contact Always Best Care today at (855) 470-2273 to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how you can benefit from in-home care.
