Beat the Winter Blues with Healthy Routines in Farmington
As Connecticut winters are quite dark, many of its senior residents are prone to experiencing the winter blues. The solution: embracing healthier habits.
See, the main issue with the winter blues is that they can creep up on you. One minute you'll think everything is fine, and the next you won't want to get out of bed. This is why a proactive approach is the best way to beat the winter blues.
Not sure where to start? Here's how the winter blues affect your body and what you can do to get through the colder months in Farmington, CT!
What Does Winter Blues Mean?
The winter blues is a general term, not a medical diagnosis. It describes feeling down during the colder months, which may also lead to feeling sluggish.
If you have the winter blues, you may often feel like staying home. For example, you may prefer watching TV over enjoying social activities with friends. You feel a little sadder during this time, but you're still able to function.
Sometimes, however, the winter blues is a form of the seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a form of seasonal depression that affects 5% of U.S. adults. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and may include:
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Changes in sleep habits
- Feelings of despair or sadness
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Lack of motivation
If you think you have SAD, talk to a health care provider. They'll be able to offer the best seasonal affective disorder support for your needs.
How to Best the Winter Blues?
Whether you have the winter blues or SAD, there are many ways to combat seasonal mood changes. Here are some winter mood boosters that may help!
1. Keep Moving
Even in winter, fresh air and nature can do wonders for improving your mood. Taking a short walk on a cleared path is much preferable to being stuck indoors all day. Activities like birdwatching or snowshoeing can also brighten a day.
Of course, before going outside, you should take some precautions:
- Dress in layers
- Wear non-slip shoes
- Monitor the weather
2. Choose to Let Go
During the winter months, many seniors struggle with emotional attachment. Is there something in your past that you haven't dealt with? If so, these feelings will likely keep festering until they start dominating your winter thoughts.
This is why so much of emotional health for seniors revolves around forgiveness. Being able to let go of the hurt or anger you're feeling is difficult, but it's the only way to gain control of your life back.
3. Stay Engaged
Social interaction is essential for thriving during the colder months. Staying isolated will only lead to further anxiety and depression. If you can't visit your friends and family, stay in touch through video calls.
If you reside in a senior living community, you likely have plenty of assisted living engagement options at your disposal. These may include:
- Joining social events or clubs
- Participating in game nights
- Enjoying movies or live music
4. Remain in Light
One of the best ways to defeat the winter blues is to enjoy as much light as possible. Enjoying extra light influences your circadian rhythm, which helps your sleep/wake cycle adjust in the fall and winter.
During the day, keep the curtains open to let in as much natural light as possible. You should also consider using a light therapy lamp. These lamps are very good at simulating sunlight and are best used within an hour of waking up.
5. Eat Healthy
We all know that a healthy diet is an essential part of independent living wellness. Well, it's also among the best ways to stave off the winter blues! Resisting the urge to snack on unhealthy foods will help you retain energy and get better sleep.
A balanced diet should include warm, nutritious foods with plenty of protein and vitamins. Some food types you should always include are:
- Omega-3s: found in oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
- Vitamin B: eggs, leafy greens, and whole grains
- Vitamin D: mushrooms and fortified dairy
- Lean proteins: lean meats, fish, lentils, and beans
- Carbohydrates: oats, whole grains, and root vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Long Do Winter Blues Usually Last?
The winter blues can last about five months. The early symptoms tend to develop in October and worsen when the DST ends. The next drastic decline comes in November, with January and February being the hardest months to get through.
What Is the Cause of Winter Blues?
The winter blues are primarily caused by reduced sunlight exposure during winter. This disrupts your body's circadian rhythm and may lower your serotonin levels. As a mood-boosting chemical, serotonin plays a key role in our well-being.
Your genetics and family history can also make you more vulnerable to the winter blues. However, this is more likely to be connected to the seasonal affective disorder, which is a more severe form of the winter blues.
How Much Vitamin D to Take for Winter Depression?
When it comes to vitamin D dosage, there's no single "correct" amount. This often depends on your current vitamin D levels, which you can determine with a blood test. Seniors may need anywhere from 600 to 2,000 IU per day.
How Serious Are the Winter Blues?
For most seniors, the winter blues simply result in mild mood changes. These changes can disrupt your daily routine, but they tend to resolve on their own. Living in a good senior community can help you deal with them.
That said, persistent sadness could be a sign of seasonal affective disorder. If you suspect this condition, it's best to seek professional advice. If you start having thoughts of self-harm, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away.
How to Beat the Winter Blues in Farmington, CT
Connecticut winters can be annoying, but they don't have to feel overwhelming. The above guide will help you beat the winter blues and enjoy the upcoming winter to the fullest!
At Discovery Village Farmington, we take the winter blues seriously. This is why we keep our residents active with exclusive amenities, events, and lifestyle programs! We also offer personalized care plans and 24/7 staff support!
Interested in joining our Farmington senior living community? Contact us here to schedule a tour or learn more about our lifestyle options!