Taking care of your general health with exercise, healthy eating, and socializing can help you learn how to beat the winter blues. Otherwise, symptoms can affect your overall health and longevity.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of American adults experience seasonal affective disorder. Symptoms usually last for 40% of the year. This type of depression, or winter blues, can affect your quality of life during retirement.
Learning how to beat the winter blues can help you enjoy aging in Lakeland, FL. With the right lifestyle changes, it can become management.
Not sure where to start? Read on for our winter wellness strategies to improve your Lakeland, FL retirement lifestyle!
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during cold winter months. It's also referred to as "major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns" or "the winter blues."
People who develop SAD experience symptoms that are similar to depression. Symptoms can become overwhelming. They may interfere with your ability to function, affecting your quality of life.
Symptoms of SAD can range from mild to severe. Many symptoms are similar to major depression, including:
Factors that can increase your risk of developing SAD include:
The human body naturally produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D plays a part in serotonin production. Failing to get enough vitamin D can cause low serotonin levels.
Serotonin carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It plays a role in:
When serotonin is at normal levels, it can help you feel happy, calm, and emotionally stable. Low levels are associated with depression.
SAD is more common among people who live far from the equator. These areas receive less sunlight during the cold winter months. Less sunlight exposure can cause low vitamin D levels, increasing your risk of SAD.
Learning how to beat the winter blues can help you enjoy your retirement in Lakeland. Apply these winter wellness strategies to improve your mood and overall well-being.
Soak in bright light soon after waking up. Maintaining a consistent wake time can help send strong signals to your circadian clock. It may help boost neurotransmitter production, improving your mood.
Exercising can boost dopamine and serotonin production. These neurotransmitters can elevate your mood. Explore your senior living community's fitness program for exercising classes, such as:
Try exercising outside and embracing the Nordic concept of "frilufsliv," which means "free air life." It involves embracing the outdoors regardless of weather conditions.
While spending time outside, try embracing winter instead of resisting it. According to Stanford University, a positive winter mindset may improve:
About 28% of older adults (13.8 million) in the US live alone. Social isolation and loneliness may increase your risk of:
As you apply these winter wellness strategies, try spending time with other seniors in your community. Seniors who engage in productive activities tend to live longer. Maintaining connections may give you a sense of purpose and boost your mood.
Ask friends to join you for meals or walks. Explore your senior living community's events and activities calendar to discover new ways to have fun alongside friends.
Consult a mental health professional or join a support group to improve your senior emotional health. Seeking seasonal mood support can help you better navigate your emotions. With treatment, you can prioritize healthy aging and mental wellness.
SAD lasts for four to five months on average. Symptoms usually develop in October. They can become more drastic as the weather gets colder and there are fewer hours of sunlight.
In Florida, only about 1% of the population is likely to struggle with SAD. It may take five months for SAD to go away on its own. Instead of suffering during that time, seek professional treatment.
A mental health professional can help develop a personalized treatment plan. You may need a combination of treatments, which may include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy. It's one of the most common types of psychotherapy. This treatment can help you recognize and unlearn problematic thinking patterns.
Treatment usually lasts between 12 and 20 weeks. It may involve:
Light therapy involves using a light box that mimics outdoor light. It could produce a chemical change in the brain to improve your mood. Typical recommendations include using this treatment:
Light therapy is usually considered the first line of treatment for SAD. However, it isn't effective for everyone.
Don't let SAD interfere with your daily life. Instead, use these effective strategies and learn how to beat the winter blues. You can find more resources through your senior living community.
At Azalea Park, we're enhancing our Independent Living with supportive services and newly renovated apartments. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of our exclusive programs, including chef-crafted homestyle meals and in-house health and wellness services. Contact us now to schedule your tour.