Seniors, who are like me tend to live by seasons. Winter is a time for indoor activities, hand crafts, reading, catching up on movies, baking. If you're like me with less appreciation for bitter cold weather, you're not likely to get outdoors much.
But come Spring, it's a whole 'nother world with opportunities to enjoy all that sunshine and warm weather has to offer.
Some activities move through the seasons easily. Reading and writing are among those kinds of activities. Take a book or a pad of paper and a pen (or your laptop) and settle in under a tree and you can count on a most pleasant and productive day.
Painting and sketching also work. An easel, canvas and paints or a pad of paper and charcoals or pencil are all that's needed for a talented artist to capture the best of the season. There's no end to the subject matter, whether you like to do landscapes, portraits or even abstracts. .
But with warm weather we can actually recapture a bit of our youth.
Walking in the wide open spaces, whether in a park or along a lakefront is always good. But if you're really ambitious you might be drawn to such as jumping rope, riding a bike, playing ball and more. It's invigorating activities such as these that remind us that we're only as old as we allow ourselves to be.
I'm reminded though that you want to start slow. It's not difficult, your body really never forgets these kinds of skills. But you do want to remember that it may take some time to rebuild your stamina. And, of course, when it comes to something like biking you will want to be particularly careful. Even though cities like Chicago are encouraging biking by arranging rental programs and setting aside designated bike trails, you do need to remember that streets are highly congested and drivers tend to be less than courteous at times. And, of course, it's up to bikers and pedestrians to pay attention to their own safety.
You really don't need to spend a lot of money to engage in stamina building at your local health spa. Just get out there and do it. Start slow, and build gradually.
Spring re-introduces us to a more leisurely life style and helps us to re-capture a zest for life that many of us forget throughout the winter months. If you tend to suffer from depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, the bane of those who are affected negatively by cold dreary days) you're in for a pleasant surprise as your spirits start to soar. While you're at it, expect an added benefit beyond just re-awakening your appreciation of the finer things this world has to offer. You may well meet new friends who share some of your interests. It's amazing what you can discover once you get out of your house and your car, and start enjoying a slower pace.
Whatever outdoor activity you choose to engage in, enjoy.