1-855-410-7971
The winter blues are common for many older adults during the colder months. Fortunately, there are many ways to beat the winter blues. Most people associate the word ‘blues’ with sadness, but in this context, it simply indicates a state of feeling dejected and depressed that can be brought on by external factors such as lack of sunlight or too much time indoors.
The good news is that there are a few things that you can do to help fight off these feelings. The most common triggers for the winter blues include: decreased daylight hours, isolation from others, fatigue from staying indoors, and stress over responsibilities and finances.
However, the easiest way to conquer this is by getting out into nature and spending time with loved ones instead of being cooped up inside your home all day. Below are some ways you can beat the winter blues as well as other stress-reducing tips if you find yourself feeling blue more often than not:
1. Go outdoors:
The idea of getting outside may seem like a daunting task for the cold winter months, but it’s actually remarkably easy. All you have to do is go outside, wear some warm clothes, and start walking around.
Doing this is naturally going to warm you up because your body is moving around. Once you feel warmer inside (without needing to wear a coat or sweater), you’re ready to go even further outside.
You can go outside to get exercise, socialize with friends and family, to get sunlight, or to find your hobbies.
If you’re sick of spending your day indoors, you can try gardening, walking your dog, or outside martial arts classes.
2. Eat well:
Eating well is essential for combating the winter blues. When you’re feeling down, the last thing you want to do is eat junk food that’s full of sugar and calories. Instead, you should make sure to eat a balanced diet consisting of complex carbs, protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
You should also try to eat a meal every 2-3 hours to prevent your energy levels from dropping. This will also prevent you from feeling exhausted and drained by the end of the day because your body needs to be properly fed so that it can function properly.
3. Take a break from technology:
If you spend most of your time online or hanging out with technology, you may be experiencing some of the winter blues. Technology can be a tremendous distraction and cause a lot of unnecessary stress in your life.
4. Connect with people you care about:
If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, you should try to make an effort to connect with the people around you. This can be done in a number of ways, including through volunteering at a local organization or by meeting up with friends and family for coffee or a game of cards.
There are also a number of ways you can connect with the people around you. For example, you can take part in a hobby you enjoy with your loved ones, start a conversation with a random stranger, etc.
5. Stay hydrated and exercise regularly:
The best way to beat the winter blues is to stay physically active and hydrated. If you’re spending most of your time indoors, it’s essential that you stay hydrated. You should drink at least 1-2
You should also make an effort to get some form of exercise. There are many ways you can do this, including going for a walk, swimming, or playing some sport. Exercising regularly is also essential because it’s going to keep your mind active and prevent you from feeling unmotivated.
Conclusion:
The winter blues are common, but there are a few ways you can fight them off. The first thing you can do is get outside and spend time with loved ones. Eating well and taking a break from technology are also effective ways to beat the winter blues.
If you feel isolated at home, try connecting with the people around you. If you’re feeling tired and hungry, stay hydrated and exercise regularly to prevent yourself from getting down.
Want to learn more?
ConsidraCare’s live-in caregivers are trained to offer professional support and companionship to seniors during hard times. Reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.
