Winter can challenge our moods and cause us to feel down.
It’s cold, the days are shorter, sunshine is limited, the excitement of the holidays is behind us, and getting outdoors is difficult. It’s not uncommon for sadness or depression to set in.
Here are some suggestions for how we can help ourselves cope with the winter blues:
Let the light in to brighten up your home. Open blinds and curtains to allow natural light, which provides us with vitamin D, to enter your home.
Remind yourself of things you have to look forward to. Maybe it’s an upcoming event or visit, a package you’re waiting to arrive, or simply the anticipation of spring. If you can’t think of something, then create something! If we open our eyes, and our minds, to the possibilities we are sure to find something to look forward to.
Stick to your routine or schedule. Don’t avoid activities and don’t allow yourself to hibernate instead.
Strive to eat a balanced diet. This is a natural way to boost mood and energy.
Stay as active as possible. Participate in an exercise class, whether at a facility or one of the many offered on tv. Just find ways to keep yourself moving as much as you are able.
) Find ways to socialize and be together with other people. This will lift your spirits. (Source: Concordia Lutheran Ministries blog)
We have ideas, resources, classes and social activities to help you survive the winter blues. Below is some of what we have to offer.
Heart Health Live
Heart Health Live presentation by Ryan Telford, Essentia Health Educator, Monday, Feb. 13th, 10:30 am, Bville Senior Community Center.
Ryan Telford, RN and Chest Pain Center Manager for Essentia Health, will be presenting at this educational event.
He will discuss the signs & symptoms of a heart attack, the importance of blood pressure control, and the things we can do to promote heart health. This will include an opportunity to ask specific questions we might have. This event is free and open to all.
No pre-registration required. Heart-healthy refreshments will be provided. In addition, there will be a special line-dancing demonstration to get our hearts pumping! Come to learn and have some fun!
Grow Young Fitness Program for Seniors
Grow Young Fitness Program for Seniors Barnesville
Channel 12 at 9:05am and 4:05pm Monday through Friday.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
HELPERS is always looking to add to our amazing team of volunteers and we have a variety of opportunities to fit your interests and time availability.
Some of those opportunities include Transportation in and/or out of town, Monday delivery of Meals on Wheels, Friendly-Visiting, Errands/Shopping Assistance.
Give us a call or stop in our office for more information.
Bake Sale, Friday, March 24th, 4-7pm before & during KCs Fish Fry at Hildebrand Hall, Barnesville. Proceeds to benefit Barnesville Area HELPERS. If you would like to support HELPERS by donating baked goods, please contact HELPERS for additional information.
Take a Break
Wed Feb 1st 10-11am
Fika—“Take a Break” with Coffee & Conversation at the HELPERS office.
All are welcome to join us for this monthly morning coffee break. Fika is a Swedish coffee tradition; it’s a time set aside for being together, catching up with friends, and enjoying a little something to eat. Contact HELPERS in advance if you would like transportation assistance.
Exercise Seniors
Mondays and Thursdays
Exercises for Seniors,on Mondays, and Thursdays, 9:30-10, Bville Senior Community Center.
This is a basic, low impact strengthening exercise program to promote body movement and strength.
No pre-registration is required.
Just show up and have fun while also doing your body good!
Game Day!
Tuesday & Friday
Game Day every Tuesday & Friday, 12:45 to 3pm, at the Bville Senior Community Center Join in the fun & games such as Pinochle, Whist, Hand & Foot and Rummy with other area seniors. Coffee and treats served following the activities. The Senior Community Center is located at 501 2nd Ave. NE. Call 218-493-4277 for more information. Transportation assistance can be provided by calling HELPERS in advance.
The Remember Project “In the Garden”, Wednesday, March 8th, 3-5pm. “In the Garden” is the 3rd in our 3-part dementia awareness events. This final virtual play presents the story of Arthur Monsetin’s adult children who have come together to decide a course of action for their beloved father who is struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. Long ingrained familial tensions come to the surface as Peter, Karen and Jamie wrestle with how best to treasure their father as they also come to terms with his limitations. All community members are welcome to attend this free event at one of the two viewing sites (Bville Senior Community Center or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall) or individually from their own home & computer. All attendees are required to pre-register. Registration is available at https://CCAW-garden2023.eventbrite.com or by calling HELPERS at 218-354-7090.