Feeling a bit off your game? Down in the dumps? Like a soggy Oreo that spent too long dipped in the milk? You’re not alone.
Diminishing daylight hours and plummeting temps that force us indoors can result in seasonal affective disorder, (SAD), aka, the winter blues. This annual malaise can impact any age group, but seniors are particularly vulnerable – especially during the holidays.
Here are a few tips to battle the blues and keep happily firing on all cylinders during the winter months.
Keep It Moving
The benefits of physical activity cannot be overstated. Boosting both physical and mental wellbeing, regular exercise can be pivotal in staving off the anxiety and depression that can dampen winter spirits.
There are plenty of indoor winter activities to get your blood flowing.
· Yoga/Tai Chi
Join a gentle yoga or tai chi class and smile your way to increased strength, balance and flexibility.
· Take the Plunge
Whether you like to swim laps or join a water aerobics class, nothing soothes the soul like immersing yourself in water.
· Take a Walk
If the weather outside is frightful, walking with friends at the mall, or on a treadmill can be delightful.
· Just Dance
Line dancing? Waltz? Tango? Heat it up on the dance floor. Stay in shape as you dance the winter gray away.
Eat Healthy
Nutrient rich foods like salmon, eggs, fruits and veggies will help boost vitamin D levels when the sun isn’t shining. On the other hand, consuming large amounts of alcohol, refined carbs, sugar and caffeine can impact sleep and create anxiety. A diet rich in healthy foods - with a few treats in moderation, of course – is just what the doctor ordered to combat the blahs.
Talk to Family
Remember when you used to call your parents once a week? These days it’s a lot easier to stay connected to family even if they are out of town. You can follow their activities on social media and Facetime them regularly. Nothing like a dose of family time to lift your spirits – even if it is virtual.
Socialize, Socialize, Socialize
The single biggest cause of senior depression is isolation and the ensuing loneliness. The best weapon to battle this devastating enemy is socialization. The more opportunities older adults have for meaningful social interaction with friends and loved ones, the more they flourish.
Rightsize into an Overture Community
No active adult environment beats the winter blues better than Overture’s premier senior living apartment communities. Our mission is to provide seniors with unlimited social opportunities day and night. Why scramble around for a yoga, or dance class, neighborhood pool or walking club when you can simply walk out of your apartment and join an inclusive community of peers in any one of those activities and so much more.
As you face a long cold winter, look around. That house that used to be alive with the holiday joy and laughter is quiet. The kids’ rooms are glorified storage bins. The neighborhood has changed and many of your friends have moved on. Yes, your home’s glory days are gone, but the bills keep coming.
This winter, don’t just survive, thrive! Now is the perfect time to jettison the old and leap into a new lifestyle totally focused on your health and happiness. Book a tour today.
Overture: The ultimate antidote to the winter blues.