Taking Care by Lisa Petsche
With Holidays Behind Us, Here’s How To Tackle The Winter Blues
Lisa Petsche
The snow and ice, subzero temperatures and limited daylight of winter keep many people indoors and at home more often than they would like. The result for some is a case of the winter blues.
Here are some tips for getting past them.
Find little things that cheer you up
Treat yourself to new flannel pajamas, a polar fleece robe or a cozy, comfortable pair of slippers.
Keep throws draped over chairs and across the foot of beds for easy access on frosty nights. These come in many fabrics, colors and prints to suit any decor, doubling as attractive home accents.
Invest in a quality set of flannel sheets.
Soak in a hot, fragrant bath.
Stock up on gourmet coffee, tea and hot chocolate mix. And don’t forget spices for hot apple cider — a perfect treat for long wintry nights.
Order takeout food for a change of cuisine. Try something festive and colorful - like Mexican food, for example.
Warm and brighten your home decor
Evaluate your lighting, and change it where necessary, using higher watt bulbs. Also, relocate lamps or bring spares out of storage.
Try using warm, rich colors, such as burgundy and gold, for cushion covers, tablecloths, place mats, a mantel scarf, and so on. Brass accessories are also a winter favorite because they reflect light.
Add texture with warm fabrics like velour, chenille and fleece — the softer, the better. Needlepoint cushions can help, too. And for even more texture, try a bowl of pinecones or potpourri, embossed candles or a grapevine wreath.
Make generous use of candles, especially substantial pillar types. Place them in clusters and use scented varieties to increase the sensory impact. Note: Always take precautions against starting a fire — place candles where they can’t be knocked over by children or pets and extinguish them before going out or to bed.
Keep blinds and curtains open during daylight hours; close them after dark.
Bring a bit of nature into your home: nurture some plants or buy fresh flowers.
Keep busy.
Try something new
Accomplishment brings satisfaction and a sense of renewal. Try new things or tackle long-postponed projects.
Start a daily journal.
Try some new recipes.
Borrow or buy movies, music CDs and reading material, or reacquaint yourself with old favorites you have on hand.
Work on some challenging jigsaw puzzles or crossword puzzles.
Start a new hobby, such as sketching or scrapbooking.
Peruse gardening magazines and catalogs and plan this year’s garden.
Get a bird feeder and seed, a pair of binoculars and a bird watching guide.
Get organized
Organize your collection of photos, music or movies.
Do some de-cluttering around your home (kitchen drawers, closets, spare rooms and attics are typical hot spots).
Donate unwanted items to a local charity.
Rearrange the furniture in one or more rooms, or swap furnishings among rooms. Or start planning a major room redecorating or home renovation project.
Have some fun
Plan special outings to restaurants or cultural events.
Plan a party; consider a tropical theme.
Start planning a summer vacation or, better yet, a mini getaway for the near future — perhaps a weekend stay at a resort or country inn.
Do something nice for someone. It will take your mind off your own situation and make you feel good, too.
Take care of yourself
Finally, look after your health. Get adequate rest, eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly. A stationary bike or treadmill is a good choice —ù you can use it year-round in your own home. Just remember to start off slowly if you’re out of shape.
*
Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker who has professional and personal experience with elder care. She is also a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.
Here are some tips for getting past them.
Find little things that cheer you up
Treat yourself to new flannel pajamas, a polar fleece robe or a cozy, comfortable pair of slippers.
Keep throws draped over chairs and across the foot of beds for easy access on frosty nights. These come in many fabrics, colors and prints to suit any decor, doubling as attractive home accents.
Invest in a quality set of flannel sheets.
Soak in a hot, fragrant bath.
Stock up on gourmet coffee, tea and hot chocolate mix. And don’t forget spices for hot apple cider — a perfect treat for long wintry nights.
Order takeout food for a change of cuisine. Try something festive and colorful - like Mexican food, for example.
Warm and brighten your home decor
Evaluate your lighting, and change it where necessary, using higher watt bulbs. Also, relocate lamps or bring spares out of storage.
Try using warm, rich colors, such as burgundy and gold, for cushion covers, tablecloths, place mats, a mantel scarf, and so on. Brass accessories are also a winter favorite because they reflect light.
Add texture with warm fabrics like velour, chenille and fleece — the softer, the better. Needlepoint cushions can help, too. And for even more texture, try a bowl of pinecones or potpourri, embossed candles or a grapevine wreath.
Make generous use of candles, especially substantial pillar types. Place them in clusters and use scented varieties to increase the sensory impact. Note: Always take precautions against starting a fire — place candles where they can’t be knocked over by children or pets and extinguish them before going out or to bed.
Keep blinds and curtains open during daylight hours; close them after dark.
Bring a bit of nature into your home: nurture some plants or buy fresh flowers.
Keep busy.
Try something new
Accomplishment brings satisfaction and a sense of renewal. Try new things or tackle long-postponed projects.
Start a daily journal.
Try some new recipes.
Borrow or buy movies, music CDs and reading material, or reacquaint yourself with old favorites you have on hand.
Work on some challenging jigsaw puzzles or crossword puzzles.
Start a new hobby, such as sketching or scrapbooking.
Peruse gardening magazines and catalogs and plan this year’s garden.
Get a bird feeder and seed, a pair of binoculars and a bird watching guide.
Get organized
Organize your collection of photos, music or movies.
Do some de-cluttering around your home (kitchen drawers, closets, spare rooms and attics are typical hot spots).
Donate unwanted items to a local charity.
Rearrange the furniture in one or more rooms, or swap furnishings among rooms. Or start planning a major room redecorating or home renovation project.
Have some fun
Plan special outings to restaurants or cultural events.
Plan a party; consider a tropical theme.
Start planning a summer vacation or, better yet, a mini getaway for the near future — perhaps a weekend stay at a resort or country inn.
Do something nice for someone. It will take your mind off your own situation and make you feel good, too.
Take care of yourself
Finally, look after your health. Get adequate rest, eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly. A stationary bike or treadmill is a good choice —ù you can use it year-round in your own home. Just remember to start off slowly if you’re out of shape.
*
Lisa M. Petsche is a social worker who has professional and personal experience with elder care. She is also a freelance writer specializing in boomer and senior issues.
