Four Ways Seniors Can Cultivate Internal Joy During Winter
After a festive holiday season, it’s normal to experience the post-holiday blues. This is especially true for seniors. Many seniors enjoy more time with friends and family during the holiday season, making the return to a normal routine all the more depressing. Seniors who live alone or suffer from a chronic illness may experience the post-holiday blues more intensely than healthier seniors who have a strong support network.
Seniors must take a proactive approach to combat any feelings of sadness or loneliness that follow the holiday season. Dwelling on such negative feelings only increases the risk of depression for older adults. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep the post-holiday blues at bay. Exercise, eating a healthy diet, and staying connected with others are typically the top suggestions experts give to chase away the post-holiday blues.
Another way to beat the post-holiday blues is for seniors to change their thinking and habits. By choosing to focus on joy instead of feelings of sadness, seniors can change their perception of the post-holiday season. Here are four ways seniors can cultivate internal joy during winter to beat the winter blues.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
One of the best ways to combat feelings of sadness and loneliness is to choose to be grateful. Studies have shown the correlation between expressing gratitude and greater happiness. It can also lead to better physical health as regularly expressing gratitude improves sleep, boosts the immune system, and decreases disease risk. One study found that the results of being grateful were experienced the greatest amongst older adults. Start the New Year off on a positive note by keeping a gratitude journal. Write down small gifts you’ve experienced that day, such as enjoying a hot cup of coffee, receiving a phone call from a friend, or observing winter birds at your bird feeder.
Give to Others
One reason why the holiday season is so fun revolves around giving gifts. Whether it’s anticipating the joy of their grandchildren when they open their presents from you or pulling off a grand surprise, many older adults find more fulfillment in giving than in receiving. Cultivate internal joy by continuing to give to others. There are numerous ways to give to others that don’t require money. Give the gift of a handwritten letter to a friend or family member. Give the gift of your time by volunteering in your community or local church. Give the gift of thoughtfulness by asking follow-up questions about something a friend or neighbor mentioned. Give away unused household items or clothes to a charity in need. The more seniors focus on how they can continue to give back, the more purposeful their lives will feel, allowing them to experience internal joy.
Get Outside
Spending time outdoors is rejuvenating, even for older adults. Studies have found that spending time in nature improves your mood and can make you a happier person. It also lowers stress and has cognitive benefits. Cultivate internal joy during winter by embracing the colder season and heading outdoors. Bundle up and go for a short walk around your neighborhood. Sit outside on the back patio and soak up the sun. While you’re outside, stay present in your surroundings. Look for the joy in the moment, whether it’s the sparkle of the snow or waving hello to a neighbor.
Create Something
Similar to how spending time in nature cultivates internal joy, creating is good for the soul. Numerous studies have proven the positive impact of crafting for older adults. Crafting not only helps prevent mild cognitive impairment in older adults, but it also has similar benefits to meditation and helps people feel calmer, happier, and it is a healthy way to cope with stress. Cultivate internal joy by creating something this winter. Revisit a past hobby you’ve put down or learn something new. Sign up for a craft class or master a new recipe this month. Remember, it’s the process of creating that helps cultivate internal joy, regardless of the end-product results.
Another way for seniors to cultivate internal joy is to partner with Visiting Angels Richmond. We are committed to providing compassionate at-home care services so seniors in the area can receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. We let you choose your caregiver from a group of highly trained, dedicated senior caregivers. We won’t disrupt your daily routine and allow you to choose when to receive help. Many of our current clients find joy in knowing a professional, friendly caregiver is scheduled to assist them with personal care and other tasks. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 804-353-0000.