Winter can be a tough time for many people. The shorter days and bad weather can make it more difficult to get out and about – and you might find your mood is lower too. Here are some tips from Age UK to help fight the winter blues and ideas from us that you may want to include in your support.

Stay connected

You might be choosing to meet up in person less often this winter – but a phone call or video call with a family member or friend can make a huge difference to how we feel. Whether it’s just picking up the phone when you fancy a chat, or making it a regular part of your routine, it’s important to stay connected.

Can we help?

Remember we can support you in lots of different ways, so if you’d like us to help you stay connected with family and friends but need help either with technology or making the arrangements then get in touch.

Keep moving and eat well

Being active – even just a little bit – is proven to help give your mood a boost. A quick walk down the street, a dance around the kitchen or a satisfying stretch in bed or a chair are all good pick-me-ups. Age UK’s ‘Being Active’ information on their website could help you find an activity that suits you. 

Keep an eye on your appetite. If you’re finding it difficult to cook and manage big meals, try eating what you fancy little and often. Something is better than nothing. It’s important to get enough energy and nutrients in your diet to avoid malnutrition. 

If we move more and eat well, it can also help to reduce falls and maintain mobility. Do what you can, and if you’re concerned, speak to your GP. 

Can we help?

Our team can help with meal preparation for you, it’s especially important to have a hot meal every day at this time of year. We can prepare meals together with you or get it ready for you. 

We can also prepare light meals and snacks in advance for you, so you have something handy when you’re feeling hungry. 

If this isn’t something that we currently do, give the office a call and we can look to organise this for you. 

Do something you enjoy every day

Lots of people find a daily routine helpful. 

A sense of consistency can help us build up good habits. You don’t have to map out whole days – just having regular times to do things like get up, have a cup of tea or prepare food, and a small task to do each day can make all the difference.

It’s important to include things you enjoy in your day and make them part of your routine. Is there an old hobby you used to enjoy that you could pick up again? Are there any books you’ve been meaning to read or films that have caught your eye?

Can we help?

We have books and games compendiums at the office available for our clients to use free of charge. Maybe you would enjoy us reading with you, or to you, perhaps a game of draughts or snakes and ladders or working on a jigsaw puzzle together.