How to Beat the Winter Blues with Daily Routines
To summarize:
- The best way we can recommend when it comes to how to beat the winter blues is to focus on morning light and movement
- Connecting with others can also build a sense of purpose and engagement, which can trigger more positive thinking
- However, we are not medical practitioners, and you should speak with your clinician about SAD and vitamin D or other potential support
Surrounded by lush green lawns, St. Andrew's Village in Aurora is a perfect example of a place that can calm the nerves and promote a more positive mindset. However, as the CDC reports that 1 in 25 older adults has depression, it's always important to understand that such things are not always due to one's surroundings.
Seniors can often combat the winter blues by ensuring they get enough light, social time, and daily movement, and by making these habits a regular part of their routine. Below, we explain why a lack of these can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). By the end, you should have a good understanding of the steps you can take if you think you currently suffer from SAD, giving you a better chance of overcoming its challenges.
What Is the Best Thing for Winter Blues?
The morning light may be one of the most powerful protections from the onset of SAD. Research by the National Institute of Aging has confirmed that sunlight affects molecules in the body that help maintain its serotonin levels. As such, a lack of it may cause a hormonal imbalance.
Is Vitamin D Helpful for Winter Blues?
Vitamin D deficiency is also highlighted as a potential problem for those with winter-pattern SAD. As it can promote increased serotonin, a lack of it makes it much harder for the body to maintain a plentiful supply and reduce its use.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Support
Others are often more than happy to help support you through difficulties. As such, attempting to engage with others during activities and events is often a key part of promoting emotional health for seniors.
If necessary, ask staff at St. Andrew's Village for help in choosing events you might want to attend, especially if they promote winter wellness. If your mobility is limited, the staff can also assist you in attending events you enjoy.
Better Independent Living Routines
St. Andrew's Village offers Independent Living to give residents the privacy they often need. However, you may want to consider maintenance-free living to reduce the amount of upkeep you perform each day, leaving more time to focus on your own wellness.
One of the best ways to do this is to schedule all of your errands on the same day, or as few days as possible, to ensure you have other days to look after yourself.
Assisted Living Engagement Opportunities
Residents can ask staff for help in engaging in specific clubs, outings, or activities they may otherwise struggle with. These might give the senior a sense of purpose and guide people to new friendships, which can be a key part of mental wellness.
If possible, work with staff to select events with the highest chance of engagement, whether they be:
- Coffee socials
- Faith services
- Visits to local malls or other areas
- Shared activities like singing
All of these can give you a stronger sense of community and belonging. If you discover a key skill in one, then you may also find a new sense of purpose. If you don't, then you can also consider educating yourself as your next life goal.
How to Beat the Winter Blues FAQ
How Long Do Winter Blues Usually Last?
As local weather conditions often vary, it can be challenging to predict how long the winter blues are likely to last. However, SAD frequently runs from late fall, when light starts to diminish and the days become shorter, to early spring and the arrival of the new year's light.
As such, episodes can last around 4-5 months on average, and can even reach into a full half-year.
Sometimes, the winter blues can be alleviated with adjustments to one's routine, but this is not always the case. As such, try to do everything you can to support your own recovery as best as you can and ask about starting light therapy before the darkness makes it that much harder.
How Else Do You Beat the Cold Weather Blues?
Natural morning light can often be as effective as digital light therapy. As such, daily walks or chair exercises outside or in the light of a window can sometimes be helpful.
Make sure to have regular meals and stay hydrated to encourage your body to produce consistent energy and promote a steadier mood.
We would also encourage you to engage with at least one social touchpoint. If you are in St Andrew's Village, this should likely be more than a staff member, although calling a family member can work to boost your body's mood in many cases.
What Are the Worst Months for Depression?
Many people report that both January and February, before the light starts to improve significantly, can be among the most challenging months. These times combine the shortest amount of daylight with the post-holiday period, making work and play feel much harder.
During these months, when it is too cold to go outside, we would recommend using an indoor pool or fitness room to get the exercise one needs instead.
Stay Safe from Depression This Winter
Start by establishing a regular morning routine, such as exercising or taking a short daily walk to get your body active. Then, aim to engage in two social events, even if it is difficult, using the St. Andrew's Village activities calendar as a list of options.
Learning how to beat the winter blues requires effort and support, and our team is here to provide encouragement and offer recommendations where possible. If you would like to learn more or are not yet a resident of St. Andrew's Village, please get in touch to book a tour. Learn about our community and discover what we can do to support you or a loved one facing the winter blues today.