How To Beat the Winter Blues

Many people want to avoid an overly busy lifestyle, but staying active has many positive benefits for senior’s. In particular, staying active can help them avoid what is sometimes called the “winter blues.” This is a very real condition that strikes many adults each year, usually in January and February. It occurs with the change in seasons, from summer to fall and winter. Sufferers have many symptoms of depression, food cravings, excessive sleeping and eating, irritability, weight gain and a loss of interest in normal activities.

Shorter days and reduced sunlight hours cause our internal clocks to get “out of step” with our daily schedules. Mild cases of the “winter blues” can be fought by staying active both physically and mentally. Our directors of activities Patricia Ricketts, Sheila Harrington, and Pauline Rebello have seen the effects of the blues, with some residents. They try to combat these symptoms by keeping residents at The Arbors busy with a variety of programs, games and social events. Their goal is to make sure there are activities that will keep resident’s minds working. Trivia or recalling memories are great ways to stimulate the mind.

Here are three tips most experts suggest:

• Find two or three activities you enjoy and participate in at least one of them each week.
• Avoid eating too much, especially foods with too much sugar, fat and caffeine.
• Make time to exercise. A walk outside in the sunshine is beneficial, weather permitting. Join a senior adult exercise class. Stay active.

It is important to remember that any one experiencing symptoms of concern should discuss this with his or her doctor first.