5 ways to promote winter wellness
This time of year always brings a mixed bag of emotions. It’s seen as a peaceful, slower-paced time for people, but there can be some doom and gloom! Of course, for many of us, winter is synonymous with Christmas, but when all the buzz has died down it can feel quite stagnant. And the reduced exposure to sunlight often brings conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), with many people experiencing seasonal depression.
Self-care is important all year round, but it’s a priority in those colder months. So, to help you look after yourself, we’ve put together five key ways to promote winter wellness – whether that be as a client, a carer, or loved one.
1 – Keep your body warm
Older people tend to have a slower metabolism and lower body fat, making them particularly susceptible to colder temperatures. To combat this, keep your indoor spaces as cosy as possible, with blankets and hot water bottles on standby. And for outside, choose your layering clothes carefully. Thermals are great as a base layer, and make sure you have a waterproof or properly insulated coat. Accessories such as fluffy socks, warm hats, and thick gloves make all the difference, and sturdy shoes are essential for wet or icy pavements.
Rising gas and heating costs are increasingly putting vulnerable people at risk, but no one should have to choose between being cold or financially safe. Age UK recently campaigned for the Government to recognise the cost-of-living pressures winter had for older people, and to increase support. If you can’t always have the heating on, an electric blanket has been shown to be energy-efficient in keeping people warm. You can also get inexpensive heaters but remember there are always risks in leaving electrical items on for prolonged periods of time.
2 – Keep your belly full
Hearty, filling meals are essential in the winter. Some staples are soups and stews, and there’s lots of recipe inspiration online. These have protein and healthy fats, good for giving an energy boost and preventing that sluggish feeling. Anything with vitamin C, such as oranges, can support immune function, and winter vegetables like squash have been shown to positively benefit heart health and blood sugar.
Warm drinks are another winter staple. Even if you’re not a tea drinker, there are lots of coffees, hot chocolates and herbal drinks that can give you an energy boost. Our carers are on hand to support clients who would like help with planning, shopping, or preparing these dishes.
3 – Keep your brain healthy
The shorter days can often disrupt our sleeping patterns, causing fatigue and feelings of burn-out. Staying active is great for combatting this – even if you don’t feel motivated, light exercise such as yoga and pilates can help lower stress levels and manage seasonal depression. Incorporating any form of stretching into your daily routine is also great for mobility, preventing stiff and sore muscles.
As well as keeping your physical levels up, mental stimulation helps to give a sense of purpose and promote wellbeing. Brain games, or mindful activities such as journaling, help to give mental clarity, and learning a new hobby can help keep you occupied when it’s too cold for outdoor activities.
And when there’s not a lot of sunlight, some light therapies are now being used to help combat SAD. These mimic natural sunlight, boosting serotonin levels and helping you regulate those low winter moods.
4 – Keep yourself connected
Make sure you have easy access to the things you may need, whether this be people or resources. The cold, rainy weather often limits social activities, contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Of course, face-to-face meetups are still important, but if this isn’t accessible then try to increase your virtual connections. A quick facetime or phone call with a loved one can do wonders for our mental health, even if it’s just a recap of your day. Check in on friends and family the way you’d want to be checked on – just a quick text can make all the difference!
In terms of resources, this could mean stocking up on medicine, as there’s no worse feeling than having to do a poorly run to the shop. Essentials such as tissues and cold tablets are always great to keep on standby! Our services include shopping, so if you run out of essentials, we can keep your food cupboards full.
5 – Carers: keep space for yourself
And if you’re a carer, the same rules apply to you. Carers play such a vital role in supporting others that they often forget and neglect their own needs. But the low moods of winter affect everyone, and there is nothing wrong with prioritising yourself. Setting boundaries is important, and you need to balance your caregiving responsibilities with your personal time to avoid burning out.
Take regular breaks to recharge, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are carer networks online which is a great way to access non-judgmental support. We also offer respite care, meaning you can get some much-deserved rest.
To see what else we offer, and how we can better boost you or your loved one’s wellbeing through the winter, please get in touch.
