Days are short. It’s cold outside. The streets are snowy. Winter is the season when your excuses to stay inside and hibernate pile higher than snow banks in the parking lots. But succumbing to isolation has long-term health consequences.
The findings of a long-term study by Cheryl Carmichael, assistant professor of psychology at Brooklyn College, shows that the number of social interactions you have at age 20—and the quality of social relationships by age 30 and again at age 50—can boost your well-being later in life.
“In your 20s, quantity is important because frequency of all types of relationships helps us learn about ourselves. It’s acquisition of experience,” Carmichael says. “By age 30, your social goals change. It becomes more important to have intimate, satisfying social relationships.”
Carmichael says research shows that people with satisfying social relationships live longer, feel happier and recover better from disease.
“There are benefits to staying connected. It contributes to your well-being in the moment, and down the road,” she says.
This can be a standing coffee meet-up each week, or a lunch gathering each month. Just schedule it and stick to it.
Find a workout buddy so you both can benefit from the encouragement. “If you don’t have a workout buddy there is also a good benefit to go individually,” says Diane Johnston, Ontario County director of Community Services. “It fuels your energy to get out of the house more.”
Join a book club, knitting circle or sports league to bond with others over shared interests.
Winter is an excellent opportunity to learn something new and be around people. “We all crave positive interactions and if we isolate ourselves we minimize those opportunities,” Johnston says. She suggests a cooking class or auditing a class at Finger Lakes Community College.
Johnston enjoys winter because it gives her time to do things that fall low on the priority list, like watching a movie. It’s the perfect low-key activity to do with a friend.
Surprise a neighbor or friend who has difficulty getting around in the wintertime. Shovel their driveway, bring food or run an errand.
You don’t have to know someone personally to extend a helping hand. Many charitable organizations, such as Gleaners Community Food Kitchen in Canandaigua, need help. Bonus: You benefit by gaining healthy, positive feelings from your efforts.
Winter’s lack of sunshine can make you susceptible to feelings of sadness and depression. Johnston recommends increasing your exposure to light. “Lift the shades. Get outside. Use brighter bulbs,” she says. “If needed, consider light therapy.”
Check your local school calendars for events like musicals, plays and concerts. You can go with a friend or watch a friend’s kid perform. They will appreciate your support.
Stop negative thinking by focusing on winter’s positive aspects. “I like winter. The air is crisp and fresh. A sunny winter day is so invigorating. It’s a special kind of energy,” Johnston says.
