COPD Indoor Activities and Hobbies

During the darkest and coldest time of the year, keeping a positive attitude and finding daily gratitude can be more challenging. COPD restricts me, so choosing hobbies and activities can be very difficult.

Let's discuss some of the methods I've used to prevent anxiety and passed the time during the cold winter months.

Winter indoor coping strategies

Cooking

I'm not a big cook, and I'm not in the kitchen often, but sometimes, especially in the fall and winter, I love to make a casserole or a big pot of soup or stew. I can easily manage as long as I do my chopping at waist height while I am sitting down.

Soups and stews work well because small portions last an entire week. I also like to freeze a meal or two for days when I can't find the energy to cook.

Gardening

Indoor gardening is a hobby that uses time and patience, with big rewards. I have renewed my love of growing and gardening on a smaller scale.

Lately, I have been thinking about gardening for food rather than flowers. I grew my peppermint for tea and grape tomatoes and added an herb garden to my kitchen window. There is nothing like growing and nurturing something with your own hands.

Connecting with nature

Since the temperatures stay warmer throughout the winter, there are some nice days when I can walk outside, and if I can tolerate it, a walk outside in nature has huge benefits. I must be mindful of the air quality, pollution, and odors and smells around me, but if it all aligns, it is a great way to reset my mind.

Journaling

With COPD, I must understand the intimate day-to-day details of my symptoms and how and why my symptoms change. Journaling can be a great conduit to that.

Tracking and charting the changes to my COPD makes a big difference in how thoroughly I can relay information to my doctor so he can act faster.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a selfless act that benefits both the giver and the receiver. I contacted my local senior center to inquire how I could volunteer from my home.

Now, I spend an afternoon weekly doing wellness checks on venerable shut-ins and people at risk. We have lovely conversations, and I learn some of their best life lessons.

Find support

It is true that not everyone is supported by friends and family. There is no one like those that suffer to answer your questions.

Finding a support group can make all the difference. Facebook has many of them, as do your local lung health foundations and libraries. Sign up and get involved.

These are how I reduce stress in my life, especially the stress that comes from episodes of shortness of breath. Practicing mindfulness and learning to ground myself helps keep myself busy and productive.

Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.