5 Early Morning Habits to Help Decrease Isolation This Winter

Seniors in the Raleigh area may notice that as temperatures cool, it seems as though interaction dies down. People may spend less time outdoors, or colds, flu, and other illnesses may have people spending more time at home, especially as they aim to decrease overall exposure. Quickly, they can feel isolation starting to rise.

While you may find it difficult to make arrangements to spend time around people, especially if you're trying to avoid illnesses, your morning routine can go a long way toward reducing feelings of isolation. Try some of these strategies to improve your morning routine and increase your sense of connection.

1. Head Out for a Walk (Weather Permitting)

First thing in the morning is a great time to get out, go for a walk, and see everything your local area has to offer. In many cases, it can provide you with some interaction with others out on the trails in the parks throughout the Cary area. Bundle up, get outside, and breathe in that fresh air, all of which can help you feel less isolated and increase your sense of connection with others. 

2. Schedule a Morning Coffee Date

You may find that having a regular coffee date with a loved one can go a long way toward helping reduce those feelings of isolation. If you feel comfortable, you may want to meet at a coffee shop to chat with a loved one. If you don't feel comfortable going out during times when illness is running high, consider the benefit of scheduling a virtual coffee date with a friend or loved one and connecting over a platform like Zoom. 

3. Do Something Creative

Creativity can help reduce feelings of isolation and make you feel more involved with the community as a whole. Look for ways to engage in creative tasks early in your day to help set the entire day up for success. You may, for example, want to write, draw, garden, paint, or engage in crafts like crochet or woodworking. 

4. Get Active

A moderate level of activity can help you stay healthy throughout the winter. If you do not feel comfortable going into an exercise class in person, consider finding a video instructor that you enjoy, or joining a virtual class, which may make you feel more connected with others.  

5. Phone a Friend Regularly 

Getting in the habit of calling a friend first thing in the morning can go a long way toward alleviating feelings of loneliness. By connecting with friends and loved ones over the phone, you may feel much more connected and part of things.
Are you struggling with isolation this winter? Do you need more help getting around? If you're in the Raleigh, Apex, or Cary area, Senior Helpers Triangle can help you take care of a number of basic self-care tasks, including maintaining your home. Contact us today to learn more.