It’s that time of year again. You look outside, it’s dark, and you realize it’s only 5:30 pm. For a lot of us, this time of year can be detrimental to our mental health. More specifically, many seniors experience depression due to lack of sunshine and limited activities throughout the winter season.

Luckily, there are ways to get through the next few months without feeling down in the dumps.

Try something new

Trying something new brings excitement and purpose to your day. Not only can it shake up your routine, but the enjoyment of engaging in something new can help make you happier. Something as simple as trying a new puzzle, cooking a new recipe or joining a club can break the negative cycle in your mind and really improve your mood.

Take advantage of the sunlight

During the winter months it’s important to take advantage of the natural sunlight during the day. This can have a huge impact on your overall mood. Open the curtains and let the sun shine through!

Turn on some upbeat music

Who doesn’t like a good upbeat song when feeling down in the dumps? Studies have shown that listening to music increases the amount of dopamine in your brain which controls the reward and pleasure centers.

Stay social

Visit your loved ones more frequently during this time of year. This can be done by meeting face to face or chatting over the phone! Avoid isolating yourself for long periods of time. Connecting with others helps keep you in a positive mood, which in turn wards off depression.

What are some ways that you fight the winter blues? Leave a comment below!