Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a form of depression that some people experience annually during the winter or fall season. Based on statistics, about 1% to 2% of the population are more susceptible to it than others and the risk increases as one gets older.
Symptoms of seasonal depression include reduced energy levels, mood swings, changes in appetite, and poor sleep quality. In retirement communities in FL, professional team members are trained to provide help and support to residents with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Read about how senior assisted living in Cape Coral, FL can help if you or a loved one is experiencing seasonal depression.
Make Dietary Changes
Seasonal depression can be prevented in the winter months by limiting alcohol consumption to one or two glasses every week. You should avoid sodas, sweets and sugary food as well. To manage seasonal depression, you should make a habit of eating healthy food and taking vitamin supplements as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Making changes to your diet during winter can help prevent or reduce the effects of seasonal depression.
In our senior Assisted Living community, our professional chefs will prepare healthy meals using fresh ingredients. For residents with a sweet tooth, healthy alternatives to sugary food will be offered to them.
Expose Yourself to Natural Light
Research has shown that exposing yourself to natural light can have a positive effect on your mood. As such, soaking up the sun can help chase away your winter blues.
All the resort-style apartments in our retirement community are designed to let in as much natural light in as possible. You can also stroll along the garden paths and enjoy some quiet time on the garden patio while you bask in the morning light. To encourage residents to spend the day outside, our team members also organize outdoor activities so you or your loved one can get your daily dose of vitamin D while having fun.
Engage in Low Impact Exercise
Regular exercise releases brain endorphins which improve your mood. With the amenities in our retirement community, you can engage in low-impact exercises such as yoga, hiking, swimming, water aerobics or dancing to mitigate the symptoms of seasonal depression. For best results, you should exercise in bright natural light especially when there is good weather. If it is too cold to venture outdoors, you can carry out your exercise in a well-lit area in your apartment. Exercising in natural light can help keep depression at bay.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
For some people, winter means having to stay indoors and isolating themselves from the outside world. However, this will only increase the chances of developing seasonal depression. Studies have shown that having social interactions with others can help relieve stress and improve your mood. Hence, during winter, you should spend time with your loved ones as much as possible. If you cannot meet up with them, chatting with them over the phone, having regular video calls or corresponding with them via emails and social media can help you stay connected to them.
In our retirement community in FL, other than keeping in touch with their loved ones, our residents also get to mingle and socialize with one another while participating in our senior living programs. If you are interested in learning more about our retirement community, do not hesitate to call us today.
