HELLO OLD MAN WINTER

Winter has finally hit our town of Jackson, Michigan. Thanksgiving had a light dusting of snow that continued into the next day of December 1, 2024. And now we have several inches of snow that is planning to stay awhile.

But the snow did not last and thus the picture I had planned to take of the snow was not to be. So, I forced to insert a commercialized picture to be my center piece of my blog issue for December.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

I am glad to see the season change but find the diminishing light brings the evening way too soon. Since I turned seventy-four the advancing winter darkness  bothers me more than it used to. The lighter, sunnier days brought the desire to engage in activities but with the darkening days of winter turned my thoughts to more sedate activities, like reading and watching TV. What bothers me the most is the passing of time in the day that passes like the blink of an eye. I rise in the morning, dress, eat breakfast then I am preparing for bed. Where did the day go?

Nor am I as cheerful or full of energy with the light changing from bright/sunny to dim and gray. I do not desire to engage readily in my normal pursuits, instead want to curl up in a recliner with a blanket and cover up. Thankfully, my spirits start to return around the middle of January when there are more sunny days than dim days. This is not the case for most and the return to a less dismal outlook may take them into spring months.

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

There is a medical term for these phenomena called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.                                                                   SAD affects many people and ages starting in late Fall or early winter and going away in Spring/Summer. I feel the aged who are home-bound and have few visitors or set their schedule to the light of the day feel the effects most. Which can bring the feeling of a long-drawn-out day and depression.

There are many sites that have different suggestions to help stave off the depression that the diminishing light of winter brings. Depending on where you live, some options might not be ideal for your loved one or area but might give you a nod to options that will work for you. I have included a few links that offer several good options to choose from.

NEED MORE INFORMATION HELPFUL HINTS AND LINKS

Listed are a few tips to help alleviate the diminishing light:

• Maximize your exposure to light.
• Making you home as light and bright as possible.
• Rearrange your furniture and adding bright colors to your environment.
• Make plans with friends or join a group that meets regularly.
• Walking either at a gym, community center or mall. Walking in the afternoon is best as your heart, lungs and muscles perform best at that time.
• Chair exercises are the rage right now. Senior centers might be a good place to inquire about chair exercise classes.
• A change of scenery and fresh air is beneficial.

LINKS TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR Seasonal Affective Disorder/SAD

https://www.therapywitholivia.com/blog/winter-blues-a-therapists-tips-on-how-to-survive-the-winter

Overview – Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – NHS

Seasonal Affective Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health

Seasonal affective disorder, winter blues and self-care tips to …

REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONE’S DURING THE CHANGING SEASON

Remember your loved ones and especially aging neighbors and friends during this time. A cheerful note or card, an impromptu visit or a call can do wonders for their spirits and mindset during the darkening winter season.

Happy Holidays and

A Blessed New Year

CK Brashares