Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a common occurrence that can happen at the start of any season. However, winter-related depression is definitely the most common. In fact, many people will experience winter blues due to the shorter days, lowered amount of sunlights, and general colder weather. For many people, this can have an impact on their lifestyle due by causing them to sleep more, move around less, withdraw from their community, and generally feeling lower in spirits.
If you or your loved ones are dealing with moodiness or SAD this winter, here are some tips you can try to improve your moods.
Introduce More Light Sources
To brighten up your mood, the best way is to literally brighten up your environment. You can do this my choosing to reduce the amount of coverings over your windows to let in more sunlight or by getting a light therapy lamp in order to mimic natural light. Having ample exposure to natural light is crucial due to the stimulation of Vitamin D production which can lead to better health as well as boost your mood.
Remain Active throughout the Season
Exercise is important. Most people will know this, however, it can be harder than usual to get up and moving during the cold winter months. It is best to continue remaining active by trying out different indoor exercises like yoga, tai chi, or even just stretching at the start of each day. Having more physical movement will definitely help to improve both physical and cognitive abilities.
Take Part in the Festivities
Something that can help to make you feel better is if you look forward to the many holidays that occur during the festivities. On top of celebrating the holidays, many children and family members will have time off work and school during this period. Take the this to organize parties or family dinners to create a more festive and happy atmosphere in your home.
Create a Schedule
Where possible, you should remain as constant as possible with regards to your schedule. If you normally join certain activities or go out at a certain time, it is important that you stick to the schedule instead of hibernating to reduce any impact of your mood and habits.
Set a Goal
One more tip would be to set a goal that you want to achieve by the end of winter. Whether you want to clear up your space or to cultivate a new skill, having a goal to work towards can give your time during the winter more purpose and meaning as well as encourage positive feelings like a sense of accomplishment.
Enjoy Senior Living at Discovery Commons Cypress Point
If you find yourself struggling with your winter preparations or dreading living alone during the cold months, a solution is to consider a senior living community. Not only are there many opportunities for social engagement with fun activities and events, but we also offer a variety of exclusive senior living programs which includes services like housekeeping and maintenance so you do not have to worry about cleaning or winterizing your space. For more information on how our team members can create a resort-style living experience for you or your loved one, contact us today.
