The Reserve Blog

How Active Adult Living Helps Beat the Winter Blues

Have you ever felt unusually sad or down during the winter months? You’re not alone. Often called the winter blues, this seasonal mood disorder is common during the winter season when there is less sunlight and the temperatures get colder. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help combat the winter blues and make the most of the season. 

When you live in an active-adult community like The Reserve, you’ll always have friendly neighbors nearby and engaging activities to look forward to. Here are some easy ways to supercharge your health and improve your mood this winter. 

Get Moving

Regular exercise, in any form, is healthy for your body and your brain. During exercise, your body releases endorphins, which serve as your body’s natural mood enhancer. At The Reserve, residents have access to our fully equipped indoor fitness center and a weekly gentle yoga class to encourage physical activity and movement. If you love the outdoors, bundle up and enjoy the grounds at The Reserve, which offers plenty of room for a walk with easy access to local businesses, shopping, and other walking trails. You can also take a stroll through beautiful downtown Geneva. Walking is a great way to add more movement to your day while taking in some fresh air. 

Refresh Your Diet

It’s easy to reach for the sweet, carb-heavy foods, especially during the festive holiday season. Unfortunately, these savory treats can negatively impact our health and leave us feeling sluggish. Instead, choose antioxidant-rich and immune-boosting fresh fruits and vegetables that help keep you energized and feeling strong. Other important staples include vitamin D rich foods like salmon, eggs and fortified cereals that help fight against seasonal mood changes and support overall good nutrition. 

Residents at The Reserve love our culinary services, which includes upscale, restaurant-style dining and ever-changing menus featuring delicious, nutritional meals. Our exceptional dining program makes it easy to focus on healthy eating during the long, winter months and residents love the convenience of having dining available on site–especially on those cold winter days!

Fill Your Calendar

A great way to keep your mind and body engaged during the winter season is to fill your calendar with fun events and social activities. This may include scheduling lunch dates with friends, making time for your grandkids’ sports, volunteering your time or picking up a new hobby. Residents at The Reserve of Geneva have access to a full calendar of events and activities for residents to enjoy all year round, including:

  • Reading groups
  • Educational programs
  • Popcorn and a movie in our media room
  • Dinner and theater trips
  • Lunch and shopping outings
  • Health and Wellness guest speakers
  • Sporting events
  • Craft classes and lessons
  • The Botanical Gardens and Arboretum Trips
  • Holiday parties
  • Safety classes and seminars
  • Volunteering opportunities

Need a ride? No problem! The Reserve’s scheduled transportation services get you to all the place you need to be, so you never have to worry about shoveling snow from your car or driving on icy roads.  

Common Signs of Winter Blues

Most people suffering from a form of seasonal mood disorder start to notice signs at the onset of winter. These symptoms can begin as mild feelings of moodiness and intensify as the season progresses. Common signs that you or a loved one is suffering from the winter blues may include:

  • Insomnia
  • Lack of motivation
  • Feeling sad or depressed
  • High irritability
  • Changes in appetite
  • Lack of concentration

Finally, if you’re feeling the onset of the winter blues, rest assured you’re not alone. Talk to someone you trust about the changes in your mood and brainstorm ways you can tackle the mood-lowering effects of winter. 

One of the many benefits of living in an active-adult community is that you’re always surrounded with people, activities and amenities to make winter months bearable—and even enjoyable! To learn more, schedule a tour with The Reserve today. 

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