Many of us, especially as we age, find winter to be a dreaded season with the colder temperatures and shorter days with more time spent indoors.
There are some things that can be done to try and brighten the darker season.
Get moving – Do exercises inside, there are a variety of free classes online and resources available at the local library for rent. Dress for the cold and get outside to move. Studies have shown even a short walk can lift your mood and wake up your body.
Get social –The negative effects of social isolation and loneliness from the Pandemic effected many people. So let’s get out and connect with others which an also brighten our mood and energy. Some ideas on how to connect when the temperatures are cooler are.
- Go walking with a friend, inside or outside.
- Invite others over to play cards or a board game, have tea, or just visit.
- Go to events in the community, Lumby has many organizations that host weekly and monthly events.
- Join one of the many volunteer run organizations and opportunities in the community.
Get a routine – It has been proven the people who have structures and routine benefit their mental health and overall wellbeing. Even having specified nights in the week like taco Tuesday, games night, try something new night, Sunday dinner can help keep up routine in the winter. Keeping in a consistent bed time and sleep routine can benefit how you feel as well.
Get vitamin D – Sunshine and light play an important role in the sleep cycle and mood; getting sunlight is best but light from a light therapy lamp can help.
Practice Hygge – Is a Danish concept which translates to coziness and finding warmth in life’s situations and embracing the winter season. Hygge celebrates embracing slowing down, getting cozy, living with simplicity and being present.
Get hydrated – Staying hydrated in any season is important but with the dry winter air it can dry your skin quickly. Water helps keep the body functioning and at it best and helps fight fatigue. Water also comes from vegetables and fruit with a high-water content like; spinach, watermelon, strawberries, celery and cucumber.
Journal – Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help get them out of your head. A positive type of journaling is a gratitude journal where the focus is to be grateful for the things in your life that are positive, like friends, food, a home, where you live.
Spring is just around the corner, but don’t wish away winter, enjoy it.
For more information on Whitevalley Community Resource Centre’s Senior Programs or volunteer opportunities, call 250-547-8866.
