April is also the season of spring rejuvenation. With longer days and more sunshine, it’s a wonderful time for fresh starts, to shake up routines, and become active.
As you plan activities for your residents, here are some ideas on how to celebrate the season:
● Dig into container gardening – This is a great activity for those with limited space and/or mobility. Research has shown gardening can help reduce stress, depression and anxiety, promote relaxation and improve mood.
● Embrace seasonal flavors – Take a trip to a local farmer’s market, pick fresh herbs from those container gardens and infuse springtime produce into meals.
● Go on a picnic – Dining al fresco is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and get some vitamin D. If a full meal isn’t feasible, grab some water bottles and packaged snacks and head outside to break up the day.
● Tidy up – There’s a reason it’s called spring cleaning. Help residents swap out their wardrobes, organize their rooms and declutter. If you need some inspiration, host a “Tidying Up” viewing party with light refreshments and a spring-themed treat.
● Get in touch with nature – Build DIY bird or butterfly feeders and place them near easily accessible windows. It will be fun to watch what type of critters the feeders attract. Another idea – contact your local nature center or community college to see if someone could come in and give a presentation about local wildlife.
● Take me out to the ball game – Spring marks the beginning of baseball season. Field trips to the diamond are always fun, but for those who prefer to stay close to home, host a major league celebration with the game on the big screen and all the ballpark favorites – hot dogs, peanuts and popcorn. Encourage residents to wear their favorite team apparel or team colors.
Celebrating the change of seasons is a great way to encourage socialization among residents and get everyone active and enjoying the fresh air, which is a great step to leading a healthier and happier lifestyle.