6 Early Morning Habits and Routines to Feel Less Isolation This Winter

Seniors may feel lonelier and more isolated in the winter. They may not get out as much to go shopping or just have lunch with friends. Family members or friends may not stop by as often. These feelings of loneliness and isolation are often compounded if a senior also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Even unintentional habits like sleeping late or not getting dressed can make these feelings worse. Here are some morning habits and routine tips to help your elderly loved one in Absecon, Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Egg Harbor Township, Millville, Mays Landing, or Vineland feel less isolated this winter.

Morning Habits and Routines

1. Wake Up at the Same Time Every Morning

Sleeping too late (especially if someone has SAD) can make them feel groggy and out of sorts all day. That's not conducive to interacting with people, either in person or on the phone. That lack of interaction is a huge cause of feeling isolated.

2. Enjoy Natural Sunlight First Thing in the Morning

A healthy dose of natural sunlight while enjoying a morning cup of coffee or tea will help a senior avoid the "hibernation response" that's triggered by the lower light levels in winter. It's hard for a senior to interact with other people when they're in hibernation mode!

3. Shower and Get Dressed

Taking a shower and getting dressed will help a senior get ready for the day both physically and mentally. They'll also be ready to accept any unexpected invitations that might come their way!

4. Exercise Early in the Morning

Exercise helps maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind. Your favorite senior will get their blood flowing by starting off each day with some gentle exercise. A walk outside in the sun is ideal, as long as the weather allows for it. A senior will generally feel more energized and ready to see what the day ahead might bring after exercising.

5. Take Advantage of Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is an awesome way to feel less isolated in the winter. Libraries, museums, zoos, botanic gardens, schools, senior centers... There's a volunteer job to match any senior citizen's interests. From cooking or delivering meals for Meals-on-Wheels to reading to young children at the local library to planting seeds at the botanic garden, the elderly will find plenty of chances to do what they love.

And busy volunteers never have time to feel lonely when they're surrounded by other people who share their interests!

6. Communicate With Someone

Communicating with family members, friends, or an in-home companion is crucial to help a senior avoid feeling isolated this winter. Speaking in person is best, of course. However, the telephone, a tablet, or a computer are also very helpful when it comes to helping a senior loved one stay in touch with the people who care about them.

Let Us Help

At Senior Helpers Jersey Shore, we provide a range of senior services to residents of Absecon, Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Egg Harbor Township, Millville, Mays Landing, Vineland, and surrounding areas. We offer the help, companionship, and personalized services a beloved senior may need to keep them from feeling lonely or isolated during the long winter to come. Contact us, Senior Helpers Jersey Shore to learn more.