Beat the Winter Blues with Wellness Habits in Friendswood, TX

Experiencing the winter blues can range from slightly uncomfortable to devastating. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and form a treatment plan, including getting plenty of sunlight and investing in hobbies, that can boost your emotional wellness and help you beat the winter blues. 

Have you ever wondered why you feel depressed when the winter season begins?Rather than excitement surrounding the holidays, spending time with family can feel like a drag. The looming block of winter spanning from January to March may seem impossible to manage for seniors in Friendswood, TX. 

Unfortunately, you may be suffering from the winter blues. In this guide, we will explore symptoms of the winter blues and winter mental health tips, so you can enjoy a fulfilling winter season. 

What Does Winter Blues Mean?

"Winter blues" is a colloquial term for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It refers to the symptoms of depression that develop during the winter months, when days tend to shorten and temperatures drop. Bleaker landscapes also contribute to feelings of sadness and despair. 

What Is the Best Remedy for the Winter Blues? 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to seasonal affective disorder. However, there are solutions you can try to combat your symptoms. Try some of the following steps to see if they alleviate your seasonal affective disorder. 

Maintain a Consistent Routine

Although it may be tempting to sleep in or stay up late during long winter nights, consistency in your independent living routines is key to combating seasonal depression. Try to wake up and go to bed around the same time every day. Maintaining consistency helps you control your circadian rhythm and leads to better quality sleep. 

Get Plenty of Sunlight 

Lack of sunlight can exacerbate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Ensure you get outside every day, if possible, for maximum vitamin D absorption.

If you are unable to go outside, open the windows in your apartment to encourage light exposure. When daylight hours are limited, it is important to take advantage of any sunlight available. 

Find Engaging Hobbies

Although options for outdoor activities may be limited in the winter, you can still engage in plenty of indoor hobbies for memory care wellness. Nurturing a new hobby can feel emotionally and intellectually rewarding.  

Some of the easiest hobbies you can do indoors include: 

• Puzzles: Jigsaw, crossword puzzles, word searches, or Sudoku
• Needlework: Sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, cross-stitch, and more
• Scrapbooking: Taking physical photographs, stickers, and other accessories to create books full of memories
• Birdwatching: View local wildlife from the comfort of your own home

Connect With Family and Friends 

When you are suffering from depression, it can be difficult to find the willpower to see your loved ones. Even if you do not want to, try to make plans and actively pursue maintaining your personal relationships. 

Work With a Therapist

A qualified mental health professional, such as a therapist, can help you identify the root cause of your seasonal affective disorder and work through your symptoms with you. Sometimes the winter blues are caused by a triggering memory associated with the season, such as the death of a loved one. For others, the dreary weather may amplify persistent feelings of sadness. 

Your therapist may teach you coping mechanisms, such as emotional grounding techniques, to center yourself when you experience feelings of:

• Overwhelm
• Sadness
• Anxiety

Managing powerful emotions is an effective tool to aid you with emotional balance in aging. 

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can do wonders for your mental and physical health, from the immediate "runner's high" following a tough workout to the longer-lasting benefits for your body. 

Try to exercise at least once a day, even if it means just taking a stroll outside. If the weather is not suitable for outdoor excursions, put on a YouTube video or an easy workout to complete indoors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Consider Medication as Seasonal Affective Disorder Support? 

Ultimately, the decision to pursue medication is up to you and your doctor. It depends on the severity and longevity of your seasonal depression symptoms. 

If you experience bursts of negative emotion over shorter periods, medication may not benefit you. A better option can be working with a therapist to learn coping techniques that help you manage strong emotions. 

However, if your symptoms persist for months and interfere with your daily activities, medication might be the ideal solution. Antidepressants can alleviate feelings of sadness and malaise by rebalancing the chemicals in the brain. The most common type of medication prescribed is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

What Is the Winter Weather Like in Friendswood, TX? 

Temperatures tend to dip during the winter months in Friendswood, TX, but the changes are not as extreme as in other regions of the United States. Since Texas is close to the equator, there are fewer temperature fluctuations. 

Expect temperatures ranging from high forties to high sixties. Although rare, the region is also prone to occasional winter storms. 

Can I Have Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Summertime? 

Yes. Although it is commonly known as the winter blues, seasonal affective disorder can strike during any season. Some people dread the approach of summer due to the rising temperatures and other factors. 

Pay attention to your symptoms, and if you begin to experience similar feelings during the summer months, talk to your doctor about changing your existing treatment plan. 

Beat the Winter Blues at Morada Friendswood 

You shouldn't have to worry about suffering from seasonal affective disorder during the winter season. With this guide, you can beat the winter blues and cultivate an enriching and fulfilling life all year long. 

At Morada Friendswood, we strive to prioritize the health and happiness of our residents. Our exclusive programs include restaurant-style dining, a constant rotation of activities and entertainment, and senior-focused health and fitness initiatives. 

Are you ready to build the lifestyle of your dreams? Consider Morada Friendswood. Our independent living, assisted living, and memory care programs offer levels of care for all types of needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about all that our community has to offer.