Avamere at Mountain Ridge Woman Contemplating the Meaning of Life
In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the ways both seniors and their caregivers can avoid any “blues” that sometimes come with the mid-winter time of year. While mood swings among many people are somewhat common, including at this part of the year, these can be especially taxing on both seniors and caregivers in some settings – but there are also simple ways to take care of yourself and avoid these.

At Avamere at Mountain Ridge, we’re happy to offer assisted living community services to Ogden seniors, and also to provide basic tips on lowering stress levels and improving personal well-being. Today’s part two of our series will look into more top recommendations we make to both seniors and their caregivers for avoiding the mid-winter lull and remaining positive and engaged through the season.
Journaling, meditation, etc.

A great way for both seniors and caregivers to keep their spirits high while managing mood is through meditation or journaling. We recommend both of these practices, not only for the mood-boost they can give at this time of year, but also for their many other benefits that are reported throughout various studies.
Some individuals benefit from just 15-minute sessions of either daily; others may want to go longer or shorter depending on how they feel. Whatever the case, finding an activity like this that works for you is key in achieving personal wellness and feeling great throughout the winter season.

Creating opportunities for laughter

The phrase “laughter is the best medicine” has an actual basis in science. It has been reported that, when individuals laugh, their brain releases neurochemicals called endorphins. These chemicals are often referred to as the “feel good” chemicals because they can produce feelings of joy and contentment.
While laughter is often spontaneous, there are many ways you can encourage yourself to laugh or come across opportunities to laugh. One way is by regularly reading the funnies in your local newspaper; another is by watching comedies on television. Asking friends and family for recommendations of good comedy movies they’ve seen is also a great idea.

Medical care

Finally, in some cases there will be medically based reasons for mood swings or other happiness issues during the winter or any other part of the year. In these cases, seeing a qualified medical professional can be of tremendous help in treating whatever issues are present.

For instance, some people may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a form of depression that may flare up during winter months. Other individuals may have a medical issue like thyroid problems that require a doctor’s attention. Getting this attention not only improves your health, but may improve your mood as well.

For more on how to avoid the winter blues as either a senior or a caregiver, or to learn about any of our assisted living or memory care community programs, speak to the caring staff at Avamere at Mountain Ridge today.