Tina GlennTina Glenn is the President and CEO of Hearthside Home Care Inc. with home care services as FirstLight Home Care Guilford. She has over 40 years in healthcare and C-level executive experience of 28 years. She can be reached at 336-808-1351.
The holiday season is over with all the flurry of gift buying, family gathering, and non-stop motion. It is a relief for many to have life to return to normal. It is also a time of reflection about what’s next in the New Year and how to cope with the winter blues when the skies are dreary and the days are short. The good news is that life can have happy moments even when the mercury dips.
Embrace the Winter Season
- Accept that winter is here for a few months so embrace the season.
- Do something that brings you joy whether it is baking or visiting those who can’t get out in the winter.
- Laugh a lot – watch a funny movie.
- Stay busy with a home improvement project – it’s time to finally renovate the kitchen.
- Clean out a closet and donate clothes to Goodwill and other organizations.
Spend Time with Family and Friends
- Family is comforting, so make time for those who mean the most to you. The activity is not important, but time with family and friends is time well spent. Get out your calendar and get in touch with people to make plans for a visit, trip, or meal.
- Stay Social. Stay connected with others. People have a tendency to hibernate in the winter, and feeling isolated can cause spikes in loneliness and depression. While in-person is preferable, virtual fills the gap with Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime.
Stay Active
It is important for older adults to stay active and engaged year round. The YMCA and other fitness facilities have plenty of activities to do inside from exercise classes, swimming, to weight training.
- Exercise everyday. Exercise helps to reduce stress and boosts endorphins in the brain. Even brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can improve your mood.
- Get outside. Despite the chilling temperatures, spending time outside is therapeutic and will improve your outlook. Just 15 minutes a day of sunshine boosts Vitamin D levels.
- Exercise your brain with crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Wordle, and other brain activities.
Prioritize Health and Wellness
- Eat smarter. Avoid junk food, candy, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates. Focus on ‘clean eating’.
- Getting enough rest every night is a daily prescription and lowers the risk for serious health issues.
- Listen to Music. It is no secret that music lifts the spirit, so turn up the tunes to improve the mood.
Relax and Recharge
Make time for yourself and schedule time to recharge, relax. Read a book, go to dinner, walk your dog, practice meditation or yoga.
Make Plans
Plan a vacation or an event to have something to look forward to, and is good for the mind, body, and soul.
Tina Glenn is the President of FirstLight Home Care of Guilford and Jacksonsville & Crystal Coast, NC. She can be reached at 336-808-1351. Provided by Tina Glenn, CEO and Roget de Percin Berendes with FirstLight Home of Guilford and Jacksonville.