How Seniors in Riverside Can Beat the Winter Blues
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Physical activity and social participation are great ways to beat the winter blues, but sometimes they aren't enough. Digging deeper and building a strong support system will ensure a fulfilling retirement. You can avoid seasonal depression with quick action and an open mind.
Healthline found that vitamin D deficiencies contribute to physical and mood changes. With reduced sun exposure, finding ways to overcome the winter blues can seem impossible.
While winter has its gloomy days, you should still enjoy retirement and build resilience to spirals of sadness. Discovery Commons Raincross is an ideal retreat for people who want to prioritize happiness. Our Riverside, CA, community lies just outside of Los Angeles, providing ample chances to create happiness.
To discover the best ways to beat the winter blues, keep reading below!
What Are the Best Ways to Beat the Winter Blues?
Feelings of depression and unhappiness can accumulate as fast as snowflakes in the winter. As an older adult, living in a lively community can ensure a positive retirement.
Discovery Commons Raincross offers specialized memory care and assisted living in Riverside. Having additional support can help you live independently, regardless of the time of year. The support of our friendly staff and your neighbors will provide resilience, even when negative emotions arise.
If you're seeking ways to beat the winter blues, take a closer look at some of our suggestions below!
Participate in Mood Boosting Activities
Regarding senior mental wellness, Discovery Commons Raincross customizes services for each resident. From our lifestyle programs to our fun-filled activity calendar, you'll always find a chance to boost your mood in Riverside.
Here are a few ideas to consider at Discovery Commons Raincross:
- Enjoy the game and activities room with neighbors
- Join a community excursion
- Savor something sweet at our bistro and cafe
- Give your mind and body TLC at the spa
There's always something fun going on in our community, or the Riverside area. Los Angeles isn't far, providing endless opportunities to uplift your mood. Take a closer look at our amenities to discover how our community can feel like home!
Focus on Fitness
At Discovery Commons, we provide an uplifting environment where you aren't afraid to push yourself to the next level. Older age doesn't mean you can't improve your body, and with the right exercise, it can benefit your confidence.
We highly recommend doing your fitness routine outdoors, whenever possible. The more exposure you get to the sun, the more you'll increase your vitamin D intake. January and February tend to be the most difficult periods, but symptoms can arise anytime before or during the winter season.
Whether or not you suffer from osteoporosis, strength-building exercises can benefit your body and mind. Not only does physical activity provide relief from internal battles, but it also creates better habits and health. At Raincross, you can also take walks around our beautiful community or work with a personal trainer!
Connect with Others
If you underestimate the connection between sunlight and mood, you might notice a toll on your friendships. Connecting with others is a great way to overcome the winter blues and build resilience.
Our Riverside community has natural, "built-in" areas where you can meet others and widen your circle of support. Aside from our beautiful communal spaces, you can connect with other locals by venturing into the city.
Here are a few ways that building connections can help with sadness:
- Listening to other people's stories
- Seeking advice from friends when you're uncertain
- Embracing your inner child by playing games with neighbors
- Regaining interest in hobbies by including others
Stepping into uncomfortable moments will help you make friends and overcome sadness simultaneously. With quick action, you can push the winter blues away and enjoy your holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Any Medical Conditions Have Similar Symptoms to SAD?
While it's important to identify seasonal depression, other factors could be influencing your mood. NIH data found that Alzheimer's disease and dementia can trigger mood changes and create a lack of interest in hobbies. Thyroid disorders and vitamin deficiencies could be other factors for these common symptoms.
What Are Good Indoor Activities for Winter Seniors Can Enjoy?
When the days seem dark and never-ending, there are a lot of activities to consider in our community. Card and board games are a popular hobby within our community, but we frequently host parties and game nights in our activity room.
Visiting the library or the on-site dining room can also provide comfort and company.
Are Some People at Greater Risk of Developing SAD?
Yes, certain medical conditions can indicate an increased risk of experiencing seasonal depression. Mayoclinic states that major depression and bipolar disorder can make winter blues more severe. Always talk to your healthcare team about sadness and consider family history first.
Do Winter Blues Impact Friendships and Relationships?
Untreated winter blues can spiral into personal issues, but they can also impact the people you care about most. Emotional withdrawal is common when depression arises, making it crucial to address sadness at the start. If you're spending less time with neighbors and family, consider seeking support.
How Long Will My Winter Blues Last?
The length of winter sadness will vary among people and their efforts to combat negative emotions. Building resilience in a safe community, where neighbors are friends, can build a positive lifestyle.
Don't Let the Winter Blues Get the Best of You
Our seasonal affective disorder tips have helped our residents in tremendous ways. To beat the winter blues, you'll need encouraging faces that are willing to socialize and lend a listening ear.
Riverside, California, home of Discovery Commons Raincross, offers a positive environment. Sadness can take a toll on the mind, body, and soul, which is why you don't want to delay taking action. With our integrative, holistic approach to wellness, you'll finish winter rejuvenated and spring-ready.
If you're ready to find balance in your health and home, consider touring our community. Contact the Discovery Commons Raincross team at (951) 530-1639 or complete our online form!