Tips To Stay Happy And Safe During Winter

Protect Mental Health During Winter

Isolation puts you at risk for anxiety and depression. Shorter daylight hours may also make you feel couped up, so find safe ways to keep your mind engaged.

Schedule virtual interactions: Find time to catch up with family and friends on different days. You’ll be able to socialize from a safe distance and look forward to talking to someone different each day.

Take a break from the news: Stay up to date on the pandemic, but don’t let negativity consume your viewing hours. Schedule time to watch the news and step away if you find yourself getting anxious.

Find ways to exercise: Make a point of getting up to move for a few minutes each hour to promote good circulation. There are also chair exercises you can practice while you watch your favorite shows.

Relaxation: Taking time to decompress helps regulate your physical and emotional reactions to stress. Try deep breathing or guided meditation techniques to unwind. You can find information online, at the library, and as apps for smart devices.

 

Hypothermia And Frostbite

Frostbite is damage to the skin caused by extreme cold that can go down to your bones. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops to dangerously low levels.

You can protect yourself from both conditions by limiting your time in cold weather and wearing several layers of light clothing under your coat. Wear hats, gloves, and scarves to protect skin from frosty temperatures.

Go inside if you feel sleepy or disoriented, as this is a sign of hypothermia. Your skin may be affected by frostbite if it turns ashy, red, or dark. Run warm water over the affected area immediately, but call your doctor if the feeling does not return to the skin.

 

Keep Your Home Warm

Your circulation decreases with age, which is why you may feel cold regularly. Set your thermostat for at least 65° F and close air vents to empty rooms to concentrate heat. Sleeping with a hot water bottle is a safe way to maintain body heat overnight as well.

 

Avoid Fall Risks

Ensure steps and walkways are clear of snow and ice before stepping outside. Don’t overexert yourself if you decide to shovel snow, especially if you have heart disease, balance issues, or osteoporosis. Ask family or friends to shovel for you. You’ll ensure your safety and have an opportunity to chat with loved ones.

Schedule a tour at an Embassy Healthcare facility to learn how we keep our residents safe, healthy, and engaged.