If your mood has perked up recently, you’re not alone.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is real and affects millions of Americans, especially in the winter months. A lack of sunlight and prolonged times of inactivity indoors are generally the main causes.
It can lead to a feeling of tiredness or low energy, along with more of a craving of foods high in carbohydrates. That can lead to weight gain.
Now that spring has sprung, the Brooklyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing wants you to snap out of your funk with four ways seniors can be active outside in springtime.
- Aerobic exercise
Of course, exercise tops the list. More pleasant temperatures and more hours of daylight allow for more walks in area parks and trails. Moving and around and getting fresh air will do wonders for your physical and mental health.
- Outdoor Yoga
Many cities and senior centers offer gentle, outdoor yoga classes that help renew the body and mind. Stretching and deep breathing in the fresh air can further ward off symptoms of SAD and depression in general.
- Volunteer for a charity or festival
Many groups hold outdoor charity events in the spring, and area churches and schools also hold fundraisers and festivals in April and May. Check out your local community calendar and see where you can volunteer to spend some time outside or even just participate in a charity walk to two.
- Go shopping
It’s true — shopping can be good for your health! Outdoor farmer’s markets pop up all over the place during the spring months, as do neighborhood garage sales. Keeping a keen eye for these activities can keep you outside and moving for an entire morning or afternoon without you even realizing it!
The key: get outside and move
While New Year’s resolutions are the cliché, the beginning of spring is a great time to renew your commitment to exercise and get into better health. Now is a good time to develop habits so you can come up with alternative ways of keeping your fitness level up by the time next winter arrives.
