Early Morning Habits and Routines to Feel Less Isolation This Winter
Winter can be a lonely time for many people. It's often cold and gloomy, the days are shorter, and the busyness of the holidays can make it hard to see loved ones in between gatherings or shopping. Although winter can be depressing, there are ways to manage to depression and isolation felt this time of year. By participating in a few morning habits and routines this winter season, you can start to tackle the isolation and take back your life.
Morning Habits and Routines
Stay Connected
Many people are extremely busy during winter, but that doesn't mean family and friends can't stay connected. Even if you can't see each other in person, chatting on the phone or sending a text can be a great way to keep in touch with everyone and make sure no one is feeling isolated. If possible, be sure to schedule a time for you and your family and/or friends to meet up.
Exercise
It can be hard to stay motivated when suffering from depression or isolation, but exercising can be a great way to ease some of those negative feelings. Finding the motivation to exercise can be difficult, but once you start the habit, it'll be easier to continue. Also, if you exercise in the morning, it can help you jumpstart your day and give you an extra boost of energy.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
When you think of typical breakfast food, you may imagine sugary things such as waffles or French toast. While these are popular and delicious breakfast foods, they're not always the healthiest foods to eat in the early hours of the day. Eating too much sugar can lead to low energy levels as your body tries to digest all those carbohydrates, especially if your morning meal doesn't include enough protein or fat. Eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean giving up those sweet breakfast treats, though; it just means making sure your meal is balanced and giving you the nutrition your body needs. You can still enjoy waffles in the morning, but be sure to add some healthy protein and fat to eat along with them!
Light Therapy
A little bit of sunlight can go a long way when someone is suffering from depression and/or isolation. Winter may often feel dark and gloomy, but the sun won't always be hiding behind the clouds. Open the curtains or window in the window to let in some sunlight in the morning, or you can try using a light box if the sun isn't out.
Beat the Winter Blues with Senior Helpers of Cherry Hill
If you and/or a senior loved one are in need of at-home care in Marlton, Mt. Laurel, Swedesboro, Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Voorhees, Haddonfield, or Maple Shade, contact Senior Helpers of Cherry Hill today. We're happy to provide needed companionship, help with daily chores and hobbies, as well as things like meal preparation or medication reminders while still allowing you and/or your senior loved one to maintain independence.