Cool sheets and lightweight blankets are perfectly comfortable for summer, but cozier fabrics and warmer blankets are ideal as the seasons change. Flannel sheets are popular during the winter months. They feel soft to the touch and offer more warmth.
If you have a heavier comforter, you can pull it out for the colder months. Otherwise, you can layer more blankets on your bed. This lets you get just the right amount of warmth each night. Add a few extra throw blankets to your living room as well to stay warm while you're sitting on your sofa.
With earlier sunsets, winter can sometimes feel gloomy in the evenings. There are several benefits of sunshine for older adults, including boosting your mood and supporting cognitive functioning. Clean your windows to let in as much sunlight as possible. Rearranging your furniture to let in more sunlight or see it better can also help.
Adding lamps can provide supplemental lighting once the sun sets. Floor lamps are slim and can go almost anywhere without taking up much space. You can also buy LED light bulbs that mimic the sun to give you the feel of natural light.
Creve Coeur might not get as much snow as cities to the north, but you can still expect some each winter. Add an absorbent mat by your front door to help soak up the moisture. A boot tray in the entryway can also be helpful. It protects your floors from water damage and keeps them dry to prevent slipping.
Those frigid winter winds can make your apartment chilly if you have drafty windows and doors. Autumn View Gardens includes apartment maintenance for all residents, so report any issues to have them repaired as soon as possible. Sealing around windows can stop the wind from blowing into your home. You can also use draft blockers if cold air comes in along the base of your door.
Winter air tends to be a lot drier than the humid summers. Increasing the humidity in your apartment can keep your skin from feeling dry in the winter. It could also prevent sinus issues, bloody noses and throat irritation. Using a humidifier is an easy way to add more moisture to your air.
Some plants also add humidity to air. Some examples of humidifying plants include sword fern, spider plant, peace lily and snake plant. Adding greenery to your apartment can be a mood booster in addition to increasing humidity.
Chilly flooring in the winter can feel uncomfortable. Area rugs add a toasty feel under your feet if you don't have carpeted floors. Choose rugs with nonslip backing, or add a rug pad underneath designed to prevent slipping. This cuts down on the risk of falls. Make sure your rugs lie flat so you don't trip over corners that curl up.
If you like seasonal decor, pack away your summer decorations in favor of fall and winter looks. Pine cones, pine boughs and seasonal patterns are simple ways to add a wintry touch to your small space. One easy option is to buy winter throw pillow covers. You can slip your throw pillows inside without buying more bulky pillows.
Winter storms can sometimes cause power outages. You might also get stuck at home for several days if severe weather makes the roads dangerous for travel. Having an emergency kit on hand can help you get through those times. Some things to put in the kit include:
It's also a good idea to keep things like your cell phone and tablet charged during the winter months. This helps you maintain communication if you lose power.
Essential oils, potpourri, air fresheners and other sources of scents can make your small space feel cozy and inviting. Your sense of smell can also spark your memory or make you feel happier. Switching to winter scents can help set the tone for the season. Pine, vanilla, cinnamon and other spices are examples of scents that work well in winter.
Autumn View Gardens offers a variety of on-site activities to keep you entertained, but you might also want to have entertainment options in your apartment. You might plan a genealogy project, try a new hobby or stock up on your favorite crossword books. Winter is the perfect time to work on a jigsaw puzzle or stimulate cognitive skills by reading print books or ebooks. Gather the supplies you need for the activities you want to do so you're ready for the colder temperatures. Planning to stay active indoors is also important in the winter. Autumn View Gardens offers exercise programs to get you moving year-round.
