Bundle Up and Stay Busy: The Importance of Staying Engaged in Winter

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As winter sets in, it’s easy to retreat indoors and let routines slip, but staying mentally and socially engaged during the colder months is just as important as physical activity. Keeping your mind sharp and connected can boost cognitive health, reduce stress, and prevent the isolation and seasonal blues that come with shorter days.

For older adults, winter can present additional challenges. The cold weather and reduced social interaction may lead to physical or cognitive decline. Watch for signs of isolation, depression, or a decrease in physical activity, as these can affect overall well-being. Occupational and speech therapy can help older adults stay engaged, maintain independence, and address any changes in their physical or cognitive abilities during the winter months.

Create a Daily Routine

Establishing a daily schedule, even if it’s flexible, can help maintain focus and provide structure during long, dark days. Include time for activities that challenge your mind like the ones listed below.

Explore a New Hobby and Stimulate Your Mind

Take up a new skill or hobby, such as crafting, painting, or playing a musical instrument, and incorporate brain-training activities like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or memory games. Engaging in both creative and cognitive exercises helps keep your mind sharp and provides therapeutic benefits to support your mental well-being.

Read or Learn Something New

Whether it’s a book, an online course, or an educational podcast, keeping your mind engaged with new information can enhance cognitive function and mental health.

Stay Social

Regularly interact with friends, family, or peers, whether through video calls, in-person meetings, or group chats. Social interaction boosts mood, reduces feelings of loneliness, and helps maintain mental health.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Spend time focusing on the present moment through deep breathing exercises or meditation. These practices help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Volunteer or Help Others

Engaging in acts of kindness or volunteering can boost mood and give you a sense of purpose. Helping others provides social connection and can help alleviate feelings of isolation.

Staying active in mind and spirit throughout the winter season is key to maintaining a positive and resilient outlook. These simple steps can help you navigate the colder months with energy, clarity, and a renewed sense of well-being. If you or a loved one are experiencing challenges in maintaining cognitive or physical health this winter, consider exploring the benefits of occupational and speech therapy. Our blogs on debunking myths on occupational therapy and speech therapy are a great starting point to learn about the vast treatments of conditions that OTs and SLPs complete acress the lifespan.

Ask an Expert: How Do I Prevent Hurting My Back When Shoveling Snow?

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Question: How do I prevent hurting my low back when shoveling snow?

Answer: There are several things we can do to prevent low back injury when shoveling. Preparation is key! If you look outside and see snow falling, check the local weather. If it is going to be a prolonged event, you should plan to go out and shovel in phases to decrease the workload. Remember, wet snow is heavy snow.

If you do not own an ergonomic shovel, get one now. This allows you to hold the shovel properly with on hand at the top of the handle and another closer to the shovel blade if you have to lift the snow. Whenever possible, push the snow vs lifting shovels full of snow. If you must lift the shovel, bend at the knees and hips while avoiding the dreaded BLT! This means do not perform the combination of bending/lifting/twisting.

Once again, prevention is key! If you have a history of your back giving you pain with shoveling, go to physical therapy before you are injured. We can perform an assessment and determine where the underlying issues are. We will address strength deficits and provide instruction in core stabilization and proper lifting techniques. Then you can say…LET IT SNOW!

Jennie Gaskill, PTA is an experienced and dedicated physical therapist assistant at Frederick Health Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab in Mt. Airy, Maryland. She earned her Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy Assistant from Carroll Community College and has developed a passion for orthopedics, manual therapy, and sports rehabilitation. Jennie’s passion for helping patients reach their full potential has made her a truly invaluable member of Tx:Team for the past 8 years.

Winter Wellness: Simple Ways to Keep Moving in the Cold

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When the temperature drops, it can be tempting to stay bundled up indoors, but staying active during winter is essential for both your physical and mental well-being. Regular activity boosts your immune system, improves circulation, and helps prevent the stiffness and weight gain that can occur during colder months. Exercise also combats seasonal blues by releasing mood-enhancing endorphins, keeping your spirits high even on the darkest days.

Dress for Success

Wear layers to stay warm, starting with moisture-wicking fabrics close to your skin. Add an insulating layer, and finish with a wind- and water-resistant outer layer. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and warm socks!

Try Indoor Workouts

Take advantage of indoor activities like yoga, pilates, or strength training. Many online classes and apps make it easy to stay active from the comfort of home.

Embrace Winter Sports

Activities like skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating can be fun and effective ways to exercise in winter.

Go for a Walk

Walking outdoors, even in colder weather, is an excellent low-impact workout. Stick to cleared pathways, and use shoes with good traction to prevent slips.

Make It Social

Partner up with friends or family for outdoor adventures or group fitness classes. Accountability and companionship can make staying active more enjoyable.

Focus on Everyday Movement

Stay active by incorporating movement into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs, stretching during TV breaks, or doing chores.

By staying active during winter, you’ll not only maintain your physical health but also emerge stronger and more energized when spring arrives! If you are facing challenges that make physical movement difficult, discover how physical therapy can help you overcome these obstacles and achieve your fitness goals. Read our blog on the Transformative Power of Physical Therapy and Fitness to learn how working with a physical therapist can empower your journey to better health.