Tips to Help You Manage

During the colder months we experience longer nights, less sunshine during the day and weather conditions that keep us indoors much more than at other times of the year. All these things can contribute to feeling Winter Strain, or as you may have heard it called, the Winter Blues. It’s not uncommon for Winter Strain to cause us to feel like the colder months are never ending. We may socialize less, feel down or apathetic and feel isolated or trapped inside the house. We may sleep more, have less motivation to do things around the house and pay less attention to self-care. This can be especially true for caregivers. If you find yourself feeling this way and counting down the days for when spring will arrive, here are some tips to help you get through until then!

Try Guided Imagery – You might not be able to get away for a vacation right now, but how about a mental vacation? Guided imagery can be an effective tool that you can use to whisk yourself away for a few minutes each day. A beach, a forest, a mountain top? It’s all just a google search away!

Stay Social – Social connection is vital to mental health 365 days a year, but in the winter months, you might feel the absence of social connection the most. If getting out in-person is difficult right now, look for online opportunities. Perhaps a Zoom chat or Facebook Messenger video call to connect with friends or family.

Perk Up Your Environment – The winter months are a great time to inject some vibrancy into your space. Play some music that reminds you of warmer, sunnier times, get some brightly coloured throw pillows for the couch, or pick up a bouquet of flowers for the kitchen table.

Get Fresh Air Everyday – It’s amazing how a few moments in some fresh air can be invigorating. This could be going for a short walk, bundling up for a coffee on the porch or even just cracking open the kitchen window while you wash up a few dishes.

Focus On Looking Forward – Sometimes, the dull winter days can pass more easily if you have something to look forward to. Maybe you’re planning a trip? If you’re a caregiver, consider booking some future respite for your care receiver and focus on having fun planning what you’ll do with that time when it arrives.

Try Something New – Winter is an excellent time to try new things. An indoor garden? A new hobby? An exercise class? Maybe there’s an art class at the community centre that you’ve been curious about? Go for it!

Are you a Caregiver? Are you looking for support? Community & Home Assistance to Seniors can help! Reach out to us at 905-713-6596 or seniorshelp@chats.on.ca .