Seasonal affective disorder physical exercise is a crucial component of managing your health and wellness year-round. There are many physical and mental benefits to exercising regularly for seniors in North Richland Hills, TX.
Do you find yourself dreading the onset of winter? Do you experience feelings of malaise and sadness as the days get shorter and temperatures dip? If so, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as the "winter blues."
In this article, we will explore the physical and emotional benefits of exercising while you have seasonal affective disorder. Read on to learn all about how to manage this complex condition and feel like your normal self again.
Exercising through seasonal depression has many tangible benefits for your body. Here are some of the ways you can take advantage of regular movement.
Seniors often have trouble with balance and coordination due to conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis. Even with fall prevention devices installed, a fall can be detrimental or deadly.
Exercise, especially that focuses more on balance, can aid you in navigating everyday life without the assistance of mobility aids or a healthcare worker. Some exercises to aim for if you want to specifically work on coordination and balance include:
Aerobic exercise can do wonders for your cardiovascular system, even in your senior years. Strengthen your heart muscles and promote healthy blood flow, spreading more oxygen through your body quickly.
Seniors who exercise more frequently tend to have fewer major cardiovascular events and also have the opportunity to build more stamina.
Getting outdoors, even during the winter, is essential for keeping your body in shape. A short stroll around the grounds of your independent living community or an easy hike can make all the difference.
Exercising outdoors can also aid in vitamin D absorption. Many Americans are deficient in this essential nutrient. Rather than taking extra supplement pills or relying on a sunlight lamp, why not experience the real thing?
While physical benefits may seem the most obvious, there are also many emotional and mental advantages to exercising regularly, especially when combating the winter blues. Here are five key emotional benefits of exercising through seasonal depression.
Exercising at the same time every day allows you to form a healthy sleep schedule. Your body is more likely to get tired and wind down around the same time as well, meaning that you will not have to adjust your circadian rhythms.
A good workout can power you through the rest of the day and then prepare your body for sleep.
Stress may not motivate you to exercise, but the relief you will feel following a workout is unmatched. The release of endorphins during your workout can alleviate feelings of stress.
When your body functions better on a physical level, you will likely experience the same improvement mentally. Overall, a healthier body means that you will have a substantial increase in quality of life. As a senior, every extra year counts, so it is crucial to take care of yourself in your golden years.
If you love the feeling of checking a box on a list or tearing a sticky note off your calendar, forming an exercise routine may be the right choice for you. Set reasonable goals and celebrate your accomplishments whenever you achieve them.
Finding a new exercise hobby that you enjoy may connect you with others who have similar interests, setting the foundation for deeper and more relatable friendships.
It varies from person to person. Some people experience intense sadness and despair during a few days or weeks of the year, particularly around the holidays.Others may start to feel malaise when fall ends, and those feelings will not fade until the beginning of spring.
Seasonal affective disorder can recur year after year, and it can even be lifelong.
Seasonal affective disorder is specifically triggered by the changing of the seasons. While you can suffer from multiple mental disorders simultaneously, it is important to know the difference between seasonal affective disorder and major depressive disorder, for example.
Since seasonal affective disorder is time-based, it may not be advisable to use antidepressants or other SSRIs to treat it. However, if you already rely on those types of medications, your doctor may be able to increase your dosage during the winter months to combat the additional emotional stress.
Maintaining seasonal mental wellness can be difficult for seniors, who often face added challenges like isolation. If you struggle with regulating your moods, consider working with a therapist or another type of mental health professional.
A therapist can help you identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to return you to emotional stability. They may also recommend solutions such as socializing more frequently and establishing a routine.
Even if you have mobility or transportation issues, finding a therapist is easier than ever with the advent of the internet. Many therapists can meet virtually, via phone or video appointment. Not only will you not have to travel, but you can tackle complex emotions from the comfort of your own home.
With seasonal affective disorder physical exercise, you're able to maintain both your mental and physical health. Staying active in colder months, while it may seem like a chore, can have drastically positive effects on your body and your winter emotional health.
At Morada Meadow Lakes, the mental wellness of our residents is paramount. We foster emotional well-being through amenities such as chef-prepared dining and exclusive exercise programs geared toward seniors, making it easier than ever to enjoy your retirement years.
Would you like to learn more about all that our beautiful community has to offer? Reach out to us today, or visit our campus in North Richland Hills, TX, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!