Keeping Well this Winter.
Winter can be a tough season. The temperature drops, there is a lack of sunlight, we can feel isolated if we don’t get out as much, and we can be more vulnerable to infection due to the cold weather. It’s important that we all try to keep well so we’ve written some tips on how to stay well, keep fit and be healthy throughout the cold Winter months.
Keeping warm:
During the current cost of living crisis, we know how hard it can be to heat your home, but low indoor temperatures can have an impact on your health. It is important to stay as warm as possible and try to heat your home to a temperature that is comfortable for you. There will be times you need extra warmth, and you will need to turn your heating on to ensure you stay warm and well. Keeping warm can help to prevent colds, flu, and more serious health problems such as pneumonia and depression.
Evie, one of our Volunteers has shared with us her tips on how to stay warm whilst you’re at home, without breaking the bank:
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Use throws or blankets to wrap yourself in when reading a book, watching television or even whilst you’re just relaxing.
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Purchase a hot water bottle, this will keep you nice and toasty.
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Make sure to eat healthy, hearty meals to fuel your body and help stay warm.
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Drink hot drinks throughout the day, herbal teas, coffee’s, hot chocolates, hot Vimto’s, hot lemon water, etc.
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Keep your hands warm with electric hand warmers or reusable bottle hand warmers.
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Make sure to buy yourself some warm thick socks or cosy slippers, these will keep your feet nice and snug.
If you’d prefer to get out and about, meeting new people and staying warm too why not come along to one of our community hubs. We offer a warm welcome at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre in Swinton, where we have a range of activities available throughout the week and a dementia friendly café serving hot drinks and hearty meals at a great price. Coming soon in 2023, we’ll also have a new community café at Brierley Community Hub in Little Hulton. Keep an eye on our social media pages for more information.
Keeping well:
It is important to look after yourself and keep well, both physically and mentally, as best we can during the colder months.
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Make sure you’re stocked up with tinned foods and food in your freezers just in case you’re unable to go out.
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Ventilate your rooms during the day to help stop the spread of germs. Remember, to close the windows once you start to feel cold.
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Check the weather forecast before leaving the house, you do not want to get caught in the rain or snow and this can help you plan ahead with what to wear. Wrap up warm and wear a shoe with a good grip to help avoid any slips or falls.
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Invest in a waterproof warm coat for when you are spending time outdoors.
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Staying active is also good for your body, but it will also help to generate body heat. There are many activities you can do when at home, such as walking up and down the stairs, walking around the lounge, dancing or even general housework. If you keep moving and do something you enjoy, it doesn’t matter what you do. If you would prefer to do activities with others in a warm welcoming environment, we host daily activities at our Humphrey Booth Resource Centre. Our hub is a great place to enjoy activities and meet new people.
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Try to eat nutritional meals including vegetables. Our dementia friendly Forget Me Not café at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre is open 9am till 3pm serving breakfast and hot homemade meals and snacks.
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The decrease in light can leave you feeling lethargic and sluggish and can also impact your emotions. Even though there isn’t much sunshine in winter, we recommend you try and spend time outside, absorbing the light and vitamin D. Even 10 minutes a day, can make a big difference. Take a short walk at lunch time, or get wrapped up with a coffee or hot chocolate and sit outside in your garden.
