The winter blues can put a huge damper on what is traditionally the most festive time of year. Learning coping mechanisms to combat seasonal depression is crucial to maintaining an active and healthy senior lifestyle.
As December approaches, your enthusiasm and motivation begin to fade, replaced by sadness and malaise. Daylight continues to slip away earlier every day, and temperatures start to drop once the sun sets, creating a cold and gloomy atmosphere.
Are you suffering from seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, or the "winter blues"? Are you wondering how to beat the winter blues so you can truly enjoy the holiday season and the beginning of the year?
Read on to learn all about how seniors in Houston, TX, can combat feelings of sadness and depression in the midst of the winter months.
The worst months for depression are January and February, according to research conducted by Columbia University. Some people with seasonal depression are buoyed by the holiday season, with the end of November through the end of December full of family time and other events.
Once January begins, however, the remainder of winter can seem long and daunting. There are no major holidays until Valentine's Day in February, and spring, which begins at the end of March, seems farther away than ever.
Although the winter blues can feel impossible to get out of, there are steps you can take to feel better. Here are some seasonal mood boosters and senior mental wellness tips.
If the weather permits, try to get outside as much as possible. Even if it is cold and cloudy, exposure to indirect sunlight can elevate your mood and provide you with a natural boost of vitamin D.
Meditation is the art of centering your thoughts and clearing your head to focus on a specific prompt or subject. For beginners, it can be difficult to engage in a meditative state without instruction.
If you are interested in meditation, consider downloading an app for your smartphone or following along with a guided meditation on a streaming site such as YouTube.
Do you still find yourself lacking the amount of sunlight you crave during the winter months? It may be worth it to invest in a light that mimics natural daylight.
These can come in the form of light boxes or sunrise alarm clocks. Sunrise alarm clocks are a relatively new invention that allows you to wake up to a simulation of the sunrise, paired with soothing sounds or music. They are especially helpful if you need to wake up when it is dark outside.
Have you ever felt a sense of euphoria and accomplishment after completing a workout? The "runner's high" feeling is all too familiar, and it can serve as a powerful tool to combat seasonal depression.
Try to exercise for at least a few minutes every day. If you have not exercised in a while or you are completely new to working out, start small and set achievable goals to avoid discouragement.
When the winter blues cause a flare-up of symptoms in January, revisit your New Year's Resolutions and reaffirm your commitment to making changes during the year. Use the first month of the year as a time for growth and renewal, rather than stewing in regrets about the past.
If you have upcoming events or travel plans, create a collage or inspiration board with photos and quotes that bring you joy and foster motivation. A visual depiction of something you can look forward to can serve as a powerful reminder of your future goals.
Yes. Seasonal affective disorder can develop during any part of the year; the key is that symptoms begin to surface during the triggering seasonal conditions. Although it is less common, some people suffer from seasonal depression in the summer.
The increased daylight and rising temperatures can trigger seasonal affective disorder for people who dislike the summer months. Hormonal imbalances and allergic reactions can contribute to negative and uncomfortable feelings as well.
Treatment options can vary based on the severity of your symptoms and the types of treatments you are willing to try. For instance, if you only suffer from seasonal depression for a short period every year, you may benefit more greatly by learning coping techniques, rather than going on a long-term solution such as antidepressants.
Consult your medical team and undergo a mental health evaluation before deciding on a treatment plan. You may receive seasonal mental wellness tips to try before going on medication, even if your doctor thinks you should begin taking antidepressants to alleviate your symptoms.
Often, those with mental health conditions have more than one condition to deal with regularly. For example, those with seasonal affective disorder may also juggle major depressive disorder or anxiety disorder, which can require separate treatment protocols.
The best method for preventing recurrent seasonal depression is taking action steps ahead of time to stop it in its tracks. When you begin to notice the season change, begin practicing your coping mechanisms before your symptoms are full-blown.
Although you probably cannot eliminate seasonal depression, utilizing mental health tactics can bring your anxiety or depression down to a manageable level.
Are you still wondering how to beat the winter blues? Finding your way out of seasonal depression can be challenging, but with the right support system, you can achieve emotional health in aging.
At Copperfield Estates Senior Living, our dedicated team works hard to provide a premier Houston, TX retirement lifestyle for our residents. Our beautiful community features amenities such as chef-prepared dining, exercise classes, and concierge services, so you can focus on cultivating a fulfilling life in your golden years.
Are you interested in making the switch to senior independent living? Explore our community today in Houston, TX, or reach out to us with any questions you may have. We can't wait to hear from you!