How to Beat the Winter Blues: Tips for Seniors in Lexington

Personal care for seniors often involves navigating every season of life, including the winter months when mental health conditions tend to be more prevalent. Solutions such as senior mood boosters and memory care support can aid seniors in the winter months.

Do you find yourself feeling depressed when winter begins? When you should be celebrating the holidays with your loved ones, ringing in the new year, and enjoying the peace of the season, you may experience malaise and sadness.

Are you a senior in Lexington, KY, wondering how to beat the winter blues? Seasonal affective disorder, colloquially known as the "winter blues," is an incredibly common condition. Many people who do not normally experience depression can develop symptoms during times of year with shorter days and colder temperatures.

In this guide, we will explore seasonal affective disorder tips and winter wellness in Lexington.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) does not just pertain to winter. It is commonly known as the winter blues because it is most common during the winter months. Sufferers tend to experience more symptoms when the days grow shorter and temperatures dip.

The lack of sunlight and warmth can be a major contributing factor to seasonal affective disorder that occurs in the winter. A decrease in vitamin D can harm your mental health as well.

If you have previous experience with SAD, then you may know when to expect your symptoms to develop. Although it often cannot be completely prevented, management is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while experiencing SAD.

What Is the Best Remedy for Winter Blues?

There is no single remedy for the winter blues, but there are certainly solutions you can implement to help alleviate your symptoms. Here are some of the best methods to try that may boost your mood:

Exercise Regularly

You may not be able to engage in as many outdoor activities in the winter season, but you should not let that stop you from exercising. There are plenty of indoor options that can provide a decent workout from the comfort of your own home.

With minimal equipment, a full-body workout is possible. Activities such as the following are easy to do in small spaces and often have online resources available:

Yoga
Pilates
Weight lifting
Barre
Stretching

Get Plenty of Sunlight

Although the days are shorter in the winter, try to get outside when possible. Even stepping outside and spending a few minutes in the sun can do wonders for your mental health.

If you find yourself unable to go outside as often as you would like, consider investing in a bright light that simulates daylight, which can be an effective tool in treating seasonal depression.

Vitamin D deficiency can also cause many physical symptoms, such as joint pain and fatigue. Ask your doctor to run your Vitamin D levels and take supplements if needed.

Socialize With Friends and Family

You may be tempted to curl up in bed and isolate yourself in the winter. While this may feel good in the short term, it can increase your symptoms if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

Make a concerted effort to visit with important people in your life, such as:

Fellow residents of your senior living community
Friends
Family members

How Long Do Winter Blues Usually Last?

Winter blues typically last the duration of the winter season, although individual time frames may vary. For instance, some people start to experience symptoms when autumn begins and suffer until the first buds of spring, while others may go through a few weeks of intense emotions during the depths of winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Winter Weather Like in Lexington, KY?

Winters in Lexington, KY, tend to be moderately cold. Temperatures dip to around 23 degrees, with occasional rain and snowfall. The weather, however, can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared.

How to Get Rid of the January Blues?

When you think of the winter blues, you may picture an uptick in depression symptoms during the holiday season. Typically, December brings mixed emotions, from the highs of spending time with family to the lows of remembering loved ones.

However, January brings a whole new set of issues revolving around seasonal affective disorder. The excitement of the holidays has faded, and the beginning of the year, paired with the pressure to maintain your New Year's resolutions, can seem daunting.

During January, do not be too hard on yourself. Rather than set strict New Year's resolutions that require everyday commitment, try to be more flexible and forgiving with your goals. Setting unrealistic expectations is a recipe for failure, and not meeting those goals can be a major setback in your mental health progress.

Actively practice gratitude by writing in a journal or expressing your gratitude to your loved ones. Find beauty in the simplicity of everyday life, rather than feeling overwhelmed by your own expectations.

Can Those With Major Depressive Disorder Suffer From Winter Blues?

Yes. Even if you are currently being treated for major depressive disorder (MDD), you can still experience the winter blues. You may notice an increase in symptoms during the winter months that exacerbate your condition.

It is important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor or another mental health professional. They may be able to recommend an increase in existing medication or alternative remedies to combat the uptick in symptoms.