Tuesday, January 11, 2022
With shorter days, cold temperatures, and less sunlight, the wintertime can lead to some serious mood changes for many of us. According to the National Institute on Health (NIH), having the ‘Winter Blues’ generally means feeling sad and more down in the dumps than usual. While it is not medically diagnosed, the Winter Blues is more of a seasonal, commonly understood feeling that happens at this time of the year. It is often linked to specific situations that happen during the winter season (such as stressful holidays, absent loved ones, or the slump after holiday festivities are over).
Here are some options to consider for fighting the Winter Blues this season:
- Enjoy natural light as much as possible
Natural light will have a positive impact on your overall mood. If you cannot spend time outside because of the weather, at least consider opening some blinds or curtains to let in the natural sunlight, especially in the mornings.
- Exercise during the daytime
Exercise in general can lift your spirits. However, evidence suggests that physical activity during the bright morning hours of the day helps to alleviate feelings of seasonal moodiness.
- Stay engaged
Whether it be virtually or in-person, engaging with your community can be personally rewarding. Volunteering, attending events, or connecting with friends and family are just a few suggestions.
- Stick to a schedule
During the wintertime, it can be tempting to alter your schedule to stay in bed longer. However, sticking to an everyday schedule can help combat the Winter Blues. For instance, if you have become accustomed to preparing dinner at a certain time every night, stick to that.
- Eat a balanced diet
A balanced, healthy diet is essential for everyone. It is a natural way to boost your energy and improve your mood. Give your body the right amount of nutrition and avoid too many unhealthy snacks or sweets.
- Be creative
Wintertime is the perfect time to start a new creative hobby (or revisit an old one). Staying inside because of cold temperatures allows time for creative art projects. Boost your cognitive functions by baking, painting, knitting, drawing, or learning a new skill.
- Get enough sleep
The Winter Blues can contribute to insomnia during the winter months. Therefore, getting an adequate amount of sleep for older adults is critical. Stick to a schedule and avoid staying up late at night.
- Life your heart and sing songs you love!
Conductors from the Sounds Good Choir! bring you an easy, fun hour of sing-along joy every Friday from 11:45 am – 12:45 pm. Sing along to popular hits from the 40’s, 50’s and beyond while connecting and chatting with old and new friends. Register for this free program here.
Resources
Beat the Winter Blues (NIH)
6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues (Sunrise Senior Living)
