BLOG: Beat the Winter Slump
Shorter days and colder weather can make anyone feel sluggish. It’s natural to want to stay indoors and get comfortable, but too much sitting can increase fatigue and affect your health.
For older adults, even brief periods of inactivity can lead to muscle loss, making everyday activities like standing up from a chair, walking safely, or doing the things you enjoy more difficult. That’s why staying active during the winter is so important.
The good news? Staying active doesn’t require formal exercise. Keeping your body moving throughout the day with light activity such as standing, walking, stretching, or household tasks can help maintain strength, confidence, and independence.
Simple Ways to Stay Active:
- Take short walks inside your home or community several times a day.
- Stand up and stretch at least once every hour, even if only for a minute or two.
- Add movement to everyday tasks, like folding laundry, carrying groceries, or marching in place while watching TV.
How Therapy Can Help:
If winter has left you feeling stiffer, weaker, or more fatigued, therapy can help you rebuild your strength and energy. Therapists can show you safe ways to stay active, share tips to protect your joints and muscles, and help you maintain independence in everyday activities.