Less day light and colder temperatures can limit out time outdoors, especially for older adults.  The results can be, for some people, seasonal depression.  We always benefit from from spending time in the sunlight.  Taking a walk through the park or even out in the garden can do two important things to help alleviate these feelings of depression.  The first thing is that exercise will help to boost production of serotonin levels and that will help to make us feel better.  The second element to this activity is that the sunlight will help to balance our circadian rhythms which are the natural wake, sleep cycles of the body.  The key here is to remain active and a good way to do that is in the outdoor environment.

Sometimes, during the winter months, when it is not possible to get outside on certain days,  visitng an indoor garden may be the next best thing.  If there is a botanical garden in your community, look into becoming a member or just making a visit to get acquainted.  Spending time in these indoor gardens can be another good way to help relieve the winter time blues.  The warmer temperatures and humid air will help you feel like you are in your garden in the summer time.  All of the lush plants and great variety of species will defiinitely excite the senses.  Think of it as a mini vacation in your winter therapeutic garden.  Be sure to bring a book, maybe some of those plant catalogues that have been arriving in the mail and a note pad to jot down all of those good ideas.  Spend some time, as often as you can, and look forward to spring when you will be outside again in your own garden.

And – be sure to keep an eye out for those early spring bulbs.  It may be a little too soon.  However, as the saying goes – hope springs eternal.