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Finding Caregiver Joy Amid Winter Woes

Monday, January 25, 2021

We’ve all experienced how gloomy the winter months can be. Once all the holidays are done and the decorations are put away, we’re left with short days, cold nights and bad weather for a seemingly endless amount of time. It’s no wonder that winter can be a difficult time for many people. For caregivers, this winter may be especially difficult.

2020 was a difficult year, and most of us still feel isolated in one way or another. Boredom, depression, loneliness and anxiety already tend to spike during the winter months. Caregivers in particular are affected due to the physical, emotional and mental challenges of their work.

But just because this is a gloomy time of year doesn’t mean that you have to grit your teeth and push through it, either. There are many ways to find joy inside your home (and even outside). It may require a little extra effort, but when those dreary days are stealing your joy and your route routine is draining you, finding joy can transform a blah day into something better. Here are a variety of ways for caregivers to tackle the winter woes.

Go outside.

Staying shut up inside the house is good for no one – not your loved one, and definitely not for you. Bundle up warmly, make sure you have sturdy shoes and head outside during the daylight hours. Even if all you accomplish is walking up and down the block, you’ll have spent time in the sun, which boosts vitamin D levels and helps you maintain your circadian rhythm (your sleep-wake cycle).

Open the blinds.

When the sun is out, make sure your curtains and blinds are raised, which will help warm up your home and also let as much natural sunlight in as possible. If it’s too cold or unsafe to go outside, sitting near a sunny window can have just about the same effect.

Exercise every day.

Even though you’re probably getting a workout as a caregiver, it’s important to get some “regular” exercise every day. Walk on the treadmill, do stretches or choose an interesting YouTube class to follow. Exercise keeps your metabolism up and improves your mood greatly. It also helps you stay strong and flexible – good things when you’re helping an older adult.

Make time for fun.

Hobbies and activities are a great way to pass the time because they’re entertaining, they use a variety of senses and they keep the brain engaged. It also helps us from getting too terribly bored. Find time to do activities with your loved one (they’re probably bored, too) as well as on your own. Doing the things we love help us stay refreshed, and it may be fun to learn a new thing or to as well.

Be as social as you can.

With COVID-19 precautions, you may not feel safe gathering or venturing out. Although it may be trickier these days, it’s important to schedule time to connect with others, even if you’re social distancing or doing it virtually. Set up a regular coffee date with a friend, or call your sister once a day. Take time to nurture those relationships that are important to you. Loved ones, laughter and support are good for the soul.

Practice self-care.

Caregivers often burn the candle at both ends, running themselves ragged. Be sure to stop once a day and do something nice for yourself, whether that’s doing your nails, reading a book or enjoying a soothing cup of hot tea. This will give you the chance to decompress for a moment, which will reduce anxiety, lower stress and allow you to see the joy in the world much more easily.

Be intentionally mindful.

Meditation, mindfulness and the practice of being present are all excellent tools for helping calm our minds and allowing us to focus on what’s important – and right in front of us. Start with five minutes a day of sitting and just allowing yourself to be. Choose a guided meditation to follow, if you prefer that. By focusing on the immediate moment, you’re able to stop the spinning thoughts that race through your heads, helping you focus, reducing worry and improving your well-being.

Write a list of what you’re grateful for.

Thinking about the things you’re grateful for will naturally make you feel more joyful, and help you be more joyful as you go throughout your day. Every day, think of five or ten things you’re grateful for and write them down. The act of actually writing engrains them in your brain, and also provides you something to look back on if and when you’re having a bad day.

Start journaling.

Many caregivers (and other people) have taken up journaling as a stress-reliever and a way to work through their thoughts and emotions. This is especially helpful if you find yourself worrying about a certain topic over and over. It can also help you sort out plans and even provide a deeper understanding to yourself.

Ask for help.

Being overwhelmed and stressed is the antithesis of joy. This winter, ask for help from friends and family members – tasks or chores they can do that would lighten your load and provide more joy in your life. At the same time, ask for help if you find yourself feeling depressed and sad for long periods of time. Be sure to consult with a physician, as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real condition, and it’s possible that a medication could help you.

However you find joy during these winter months, remember that spring is just around the corner. Soon, the trees will start putting out leaves, the grass will start growing and the world will look brighter, sunnier – and a lot more joyful.
 

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