Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder With Daily Routines
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Winter's shorter days can make you feel down, but simple daily routines can help reverse seasonal affective disorder and lift your spirits. In the cozy town of Newton, North Carolina, where pretty parks like Westside Park and fun events like the Foothills Folk Art Festival bring people together, we at TerraBella Newton focus on winter mood support to keep seniors happy.
The University of Minnesota says about 10% of people in northern areas get seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, which shows why easy habits matter. For seniors, staying active and connected can make a big difference.
Ready to learn how small steps like morning walks or fun group activities can brighten your winter? Let's dive into ways to make the season feel warm and joyful!
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD happens when shorter days throw off your body's natural rhythm. Less sunlight can lower serotonin, a chemical that keeps your mood steady, and increase melatonin, which makes you sleepy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this imbalance can trigger feelings of sadness or low energy, especially in winter. Younger adults, often in their 20s, are more likely to get SAD because their bodies may react more to light changes, but seniors can still feel it, especially if they spend less time outside.
Emotional balance in aging can be affected when winter limits fun activities. In Newton, NC, cloudy days might make it harder to stay cheerful, but knowing what causes SAD helps us find simple ways to feel better, like adding bright activities to our day.
Does Vitamin D Help With SAD?
Sunlight gives your body vitamin D, which plays a big role in mood. When winter cuts down on sunshine, many people, especially seniors, don't get enough.
A study by Akpinar and Karadag in Springer Nature says low vitamin D might make SAD worse, but getting more can help. While chatting with your doctor about supplements is a good idea, eating foods like salmon or fortified cereal can boost vitamin D naturally as well.
Taking a short walk in Conover City Park on sunny days also helps your body make vitamin D while keeping senior health routines fun and active. Just ten to 15 minutes of sunlight a few times a week can make a difference, but always check with a doctor before changing your diet.
How to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Fighting SAD means building habits that spark joy and energy. Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests:
- Light therapy
- Exercise
- Staying connected with others
Light therapy uses a special lamp to mimic sunlight, helping reset your body's clock. For seniors, gentle exercise like stretching or short walks around Newton's Westside Park can lift your mood.
Social activities are also key to assisted living engagement. At TerraBella Newton, we host group games and craft sessions that bring people together, making winter feel less lonely. Even chatting with friends over coffee at a local spot like the Catawba Science Center's café in nearby Hickory can help.
These activities keep you active and connected, which helps fight SAD symptoms naturally.
What Daily Routines Can Help Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Creating a daily routine is like building a shield against SAD.
Start your morning with a simple plan: eat a healthy breakfast with foods like oatmeal or eggs to fuel your body. Then, try a short walk in a Newton park or do chair exercises if it's too cold outside. These senior health routines boost energy and mood.
For memory care wellness, we encourage activities like storytelling or listening to music at TerraBella Newton. Our SHINE® Memory Care Program includes group activities that feel familiar and comforting, like singing old songs or making art, which help seniors with memory loss stay engaged.
In the afternoon, try mindfulness, like deep breathing for five minutes, to stay calm. End your day with a relaxing hobby, like reading or puzzles, to keep your mind active.
Consistent routines help reverse seasonal affective disorder by giving structure and joy to your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Main Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, can make you feel different than usual. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common signs include:
- Feeling sad most of the day
- Losing interest in activities you love
- Like visiting Newton's Foothills Folk Art Festival
- Having trouble focusing
- Feel super tired
- Sleep too much
- Want to eat more carbs, like bread or pasta
Seniors might notice these changes more if they're less active in winter, but simple habits can help.
How Long Does Seasonal Affective Disorder Typically Last?
SAD usually starts in the fall and lasts through winter, about four to five months. For most people, symptoms fade in spring when days get longer. In Newton, NC, where winter can feel long, keeping a cheerful routine, like joining community games, can make this time feel shorter and easier to handle.
Can Lifestyle Changes Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Yes, lifestyle changes can stop SAD before it starts. The National Alliance on Mental Illness suggests staying active with gentle exercise, like walking in Westside Park, and eating healthy foods, like fruits and veggies.
Getting enough sleep and spending time with friends also helps. These habits build a strong defense against winter blues, keeping you happy all season.
Is Seasonal Affective Disorder More Common in Certain Age Groups?
SAD is more common in younger adults, especially those in their 20s and 30s, per the Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital. However, seniors can still get it, especially if they stay indoors a lot.
Joining fun group activities at spots like TerraBella Newton can keep seniors connected and help prevent SAD symptoms from taking hold.
Brighten Your Winter and Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder
Winter doesn't have to dim your joy. To reverse seasonal affective disorder, try simple habits like morning walks, healthy meals, or fun group activities.
In Newton, NC, we at TerraBella Newton create a warm, welcoming home where seniors thrive. As shared by visitor Jaclyn Harrill: "The staff is always so friendly and welcoming, but most importantly, the residents always come first. They provide several activities and make living [here] a very happy, fun [community] to call home."
Visit TerraBella Newton to explore how we make every day bright and cheerful!