The short days and long darks nights of winter can make us feel a little gloomy. But there’s lots of inexpensive ways we combat that.
Creating a cosy, warm home, baking with the grandchildren and getting out to a panto or two, can make us feel better. Here’s a list of tips to stay smiling during the snow and ice this month:
Eat lots of warming soup
There’s nothing nicer sometimes on a cold winter’s day, than staying indoors with a bowl of warming soup and some hot bread while watching a favourite TV show. These days there’s plenty of kitchen equipment to help you easily make a bowl or two of hearty vegetable soup without too much bother.
Hearty soup with plenty of veg, meat and pulses (or whatever you want to add) doesn’t just taste great, it also gives you the nutrition you keep up your energy levels. And that will help with your mood too. It may also help stave off any circulating winter colds and flu.
Keep exercising
These days there’s lots of fun online exercises classes for seniors you can do at home if you don’t fancy venturing outside. Pick up a few age-appropriate exercise videos at your local charity shop or look up streaming services if you have them. If you’re not particularly mobile, there are plenty of seated exercise classes you can try, including chair yoga for seniors.
Physical exercise can help protect against certain diseases as well as give a boost to your mental health. Even just 20 minutes a day can make a difference.
Getting cosy at home
Give your lounge and bedroom a good declutter – that’ll make you feel better for starters. Next, stock up on some comfy throws, warm woolly socks or slippers, winter-scented candles and a pile of great books or DVDs from your local charity shop.
Think about doing some home baking, such as Christmas biscuits and even a Christmas cake. It’s a great idea for festive presents and you’ll have a lovely scent around your home while your goodies are in the oven. Children love to bake so if you’ve young relative or there’s kids next door get them in to help.
Set yourself goals
Keep your self-esteem up with giving yourself challenges that you’re capable of meeting. For instance, if the dark days have already got you down then tell yourself you’ll take a short way each day – even if it’s just to go to the shops for milk or a newspaper.
Then, plan to visit friends or meet up with them for a coffee weekly or however regularly seems appropriate. Keeping up with your friends is important as you age. Make new ones by joining a walking club, going to bingo or a quiz night at the local pub. There’s lots of craft groups about these days too. Check online or your local library for nearby meet-ups.
When you live alone or even with an elderly partner, it can be easy to slide into a low mood with the cold winter weather and short days. To prevent this happening try out some of the above activities and remember to ‘check in with yourself’ regularly too. That way you can catch that low mood before it becomes a problem. For instance, if you’re physically low then get more exercise and buy more nutritious meals. If you’re lonely then contact friends for a chat. There’s always a solution…
