The air is starting to hold a chill here in Missouri, and that means that winter is right around the corner. With colder and shorter days coming quickly, it is important to prioritize your well being as an individual with disabilities. The warm months may seem to be full of accessible activities and places to visit, but winter too brings with it a wealth of unique seasonal activities and opportunities that can greatly help you maintain your energy, stay engaged in your communities, and find joy in all the season has to offer. Whether you are looking to enjoy the cool air outdoors or get cozy in your home with family, this season holds a variety of ways to make the most of it. To help you gear up for the season and prioritize your health and wellbeing, take a look at our tips for staying active and engaged this winter—
Indoor Fitness and Health
One of the first things people think about when considering wellness and engagement is exercise, and rightfully so. Staying active and moving your body in any way you are able is a wonderful way to maintain your health and wellbeing during any season. However, it may be more difficult to do so during the long winter months where most outdoor activities are not available and it
may be more challenging to get to a gym or center. Luckily, there are many ways to keep moving your body and maintaining your health at home. Setting up a space in your home specifically for exercising can be a big help, as it may aid you in keeping up your routines. There are countless free online and app-based workout programs tailored especially for individuals with disabilities, many even made for specific disabilities, that you can watch and follow along with. These programs will not only help you stay active and move your body however you can, they also provide a variety of different movements and exercises to keep your indoor fitness interesting.
Make Sure Your Home is Ready
Staying in during the winter months can be very relaxing and rewarding for many, but in order for you to make the most of it, it is important that your home is ready for the upcoming weather and all of your needs. Making sure that your heating is working properly, you have all the emergency supplies you may need in the case of not being able to reach a medical professional immediately, and all of the accessibility features you need for your home to be a comfortable, safe, and engaging place for you to spend your winter.
Start an Indoor Hobby
If many of your primary hobbies or things you find joy in are outdoor activities that you cannot do during this season, one way to find that joy again and keep yourself engaged is to pick up an accessible indoor hobby. Think of something you’ve always wanted to try—is it painting? Is it playing music? Is it crochet?
This upcoming winter is a wonderful opportunity to enrich your life with something new. This can also introduce you to new communities that practice the same hobby, and reaching out to these communities, especially if they are disability-friendly, can help expand your circle and maintain your emotional wellbeing during this season.
Keep Participating in Social Activities
The winter can sometimes feel isolating, bringing about seasonal depression, loneliness, and much more that can make this a difficult season for individuals with disabilities. This is why it is so crucial to participate in social activities and events. Staying connected with your friends, your communities, your family, and everyone else you love is one of the best ways to maintain and improve your mental health during the dark months, as well as make it easier to do so when the spring comes again. While your physical health is incredibly important, prioritizing your mental health is imperative, and can help you take care of your overall well being. If you feel you are struggling this season, do not hesitate to reach out to loved ones or professionals for help.
Staying engaged this winter will help you keep up your energy, maintain your health, and improve your wellbeing overall. Your wellness comes first, no matter what season. We understand that it may feel difficult for individuals with disabilities, but this is where we come in. We can serve as your connection to a number of vibrant communities, opportunities, and resources through our own connections, which can help you to build your winter routines and activities. If you are looking for more ways to make the most of this winter, take a look at our extensive resources page here.