After the excitement of New Year’s celebrations has worn off, the reality sets in that it is January, which tends to be the coldest, grayest month of the year. On average, it is when the worst weather all over the U.S. sees its peak. 

Here at ElderCare we know that the January blues hits seniors especially hard. With the cold weather and post-holiday lack of activity, boredom can set in.

This is especially true for seniors with caregivers. These seniors may be limited to staying in more during the month of January. 

It is also important to note that not every holiday season is a fun one. Deaths in the family or family conflicts can be a major source of stress, sadness, and loneliness for many seniors. 

Despite these limitations, there are still some ways to avoid being taken in by the January blues. 

Bring Some of the Outdoors Inside Your Home

When too-cold weather and snow make leaving the house a pain, it does not take much to become squirrelly in the Great Indoors. 

A great way to overcome this is to have a little bit of nature inside your home. One way to do this is by getting some indoor plants. 

There is something satisfying in growing plants, as it is a creative activity. When you actively play a role in creating a pretty, decorative addition to your home, stress will go down and happiness will increase. 

Exercise

Keeping your body active is a good way to keep your mind satisfied.

There are many forms of exercises, fit for various ages and body types. 

For seniors, some of the best exercises that can be done indoors include walking, sit-to-stand lifts (i.e., sitting down and standing up in a chair), and stretches.

Exercises have many benefits for seniors. It relieves stress, improves sleep, controls your blood pressure, and can mitigate or prevent a variety of diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. 

Adjust Your Diet

As we grow older, watching what you eat becomes more and more important. 

A good diet can do more than just prevent diseases, fatigue, and unnecessary weight gain. 

“Brain foods” such as broccoli and walnuts can help improve memory, slow cognitive decline, and help you stay mentally alert. 

Drinking lots of water is another easy way to feel healthy and positive. For many people, drinking close to ten cups of water a day can help keep you at the ideal level of functioning. 

It can be as easy as choosing carrots instead of potato chips, or keeping a cup of water on you throughout the day, to help alleviate the January blues. 

Find the Care That Is Right for You or Your Senior Loved One

With ElderCare4Families, you are sure to be matched with a caregiver who will look after you or a senior loved during any time of the year. Give us a call today or get in contact with us on our website, and we will be sure to help you meet your needs or answer any questions.