How to Stay Connected During the Colder Months

Winter is coming. As we approach the chilly season, it can be tempting to cozy up at home and hibernate until spring. However, staying connected this time of year is more important than ever as it keeps us from isolating and succumbing to the seasonal blues. If the frigid temps tend to make you feel disconnected, here are some practical ways to stay social and find companionship during the colder months.
Join or Start a Club
Are you a bookworm? Start a book club that meets once a month, either virtually or in person. Do you enjoy puzzles, cards, or board games? Host an afternoon of games at your home, or meet up at a local café to play (some cities even have boardgame cafés with a variety of games to choose from!).
Research your hobby or interest on Google or Facebook and add your town or city to the search to see what is already available nearby. You can also get in touch with your local library or seniors’ groups to see what clubs or activities exist in your area.

Volunteer in Your Community

Another great way to connect with others is through volunteering. There are endless opportunities when it comes to being a volunteer, many of which are indoors. Animal shelters, homeless shelters, food banks, schools, and churches are always in need of extra help, especially during the busy holiday season.
Not only does it feel good to give back to your community and make a difference for others, but volunteering can help you expand your social circle. It’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals who also want to make a positive impact in the community.
Register for a Fitness Class
When it’s cold outside, many of us tend to become more sedentary and stay cooped up at home. However, it’s still important to keep active and move our bodies – not just for our physical health, but also our mental wellbeing.
If mobility issues make winter activities and sports a bit more difficult for you, or if they are just not up your alley, there are still plenty of way to get exercise indoors. Sign up for a swim class, yoga, dance class, or join a pickleball league. Check out your local recreation centre or gym to see what programs they offer, some of which might even be at no cost!

Participate in Community Events and Programs

If you find this time of year a bit slower in retirement, you might not be aware of all the events or programs that are happening in your community during this season. Look for ads in the newspaper, on bulletin boards, and even Facebook events in your location to see what new and exciting activities are taking place.
Some popular group excursions might include holiday baking, cooking classes, wine and paint nights, film festivals, jazz nights, and much more. There is always something to look forward to (even better if it’s inside, toasty warm!).
Attend or Host Online Events
When the weather outside is frightful, you can still enjoy some camaraderie from the comfort of your own home. Not only can you set up FaceTime or Zoom chats with your friends and family, but you can even watch movies together online through the use of special programs, compete in some fun online games and challenges, or play a round of charades to shake things up from your usual catch up calls.
If you have friends or old colleagues who live all over the map, starting a virtual club as mentioned earlier is a great way to keep in touch. Check out any online events or webinars that match your interests – many are free or at a reduced rate since they are virtual, and the bonus is you can attend from any location!
As hard as it can be to feel motivated when the frosty season rolls around, there are more opportunities to connect with others than ever before. Try some of these suggestions out for yourself and see where it leads - you might just find your social calendar packed fuller than you anticipated this winter.
