Dear Donna:
Every year after the holidays are over, I find myself feeling down. As an older woman living alone, winter can be tough. I’ve become an anxious driver in recent years, so I tend to stay close to home. While my daughter is great about calling and chatting over video, she lives in California, far from my Michigan home.
I’m determined to avoid my post-holiday blues this year. Do you have any tips that might help me more successfully navigate the season?
Sincerely,
Connie in Douglas, MI
Ideas to Help Seniors Beat the Post-Holiday Blues
Dear Connie:
Older adults often share your sentiment after seasonal festivities have ended. As the excitement of the season fades, many seniors may grapple with feelings of loneliness and isolation. But there are strategies you can employ to cope with the post-holiday blues and regain a sense of joy and purpose in your daily life.
- Acknowledge your feelings.
The first step in coping with post-holiday blues is to acknowledge and validate these feelings. It’s normal to experience a sense of loss after the holidays, especially if family gatherings and celebrations were significant. Seniors should allow themselves to feel their emotions without judgment.
Journaling can be an effective outlet, providing a place to express thoughts and feelings. Writing about positive memories from the holidays can shift focus back to joyful experiences.
- Stay connected to friends and family.
Social connections play a vital role in mental well-being. After the holidays, it’s easy for seniors to experience isolation. To combat this, maintaining social networks is crucial. You could schedule regular calls or video chats with family and friends. Since you mentioned video chatting, it sounds like you are comfortable using these types of platforms. Consider using it with other friends and family that you can’t connect with as often during the winter.
- Create a productive daily routine.
The post-holiday period can make the days seem long and empty, so establishing a daily routine can provide structure and stability. Seniors can create a schedule that includes regular activities such as exercise, hobbies, or social outings. Incorporating physical fitness activities, even gentle exercises like walking or yoga at home, can boost mood and energy levels. Regular routines can help fill the void left by holiday festivities and provide a sense of normalcy.
- Engage in favorite pastimes.
Pursuing hobbies can be a wonderful way to channel energy and creativity. Whether it’s painting, gardening, knitting, or playing an instrument, engaging in enjoyable activities can lift spirits. Exploring new hobbies or revisiting old ones can reignite passion and creativity. Online arts and crafts tutorials and classes can provide inspiration and a sense of accomplishment.
- Focus on mind, body, and spirit.
Physical health is closely linked to mental health, making wellness a key focus during this period. Seniors should pay attention to their nutrition, ensuring they consume balanced meals that support their overall well-being. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can also help monitor health conditions and ensure that seniors feel their best. Additionally, practicing mindfulness or meditation can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
- Plan future activities and events.
One way to combat the post-holiday blues is to plan future events and activities that give you something positive to look forward to. This could include vacations with family, regional outings to popular destinations, or even a small gathering with friends. Having something to look forward to can provide motivation and excitement, helping to bridge the gap until the next holiday season.
- Limit negative media consumption.
Watching too many news reports on television or spending too much time on social media can often amplify feelings of sadness during the post-holiday period. Media can create false images of perfection and joy that can worsen feelings of loneliness. Instead, seek out uplifting content, such as inspiring books, happy movies, or podcasts that foster positivity and connection.
Seek Professional Help If Necessary
One last suggestion is to consider talking with a professional if you aren’t able to prevent persistent feelings of sadness or if you feel overwhelm for more than a few days. Some people develop a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which may require medical intervention. Mental health professionals can provide support and coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
I hope these tips are helpful, Connie! I wish you the best of luck avoiding the winter blues this year. If you decide you might benefit from being part of a senior living community, I invite you to call a Heritage location near you. One of our experienced team members will be happy to set up a time for you to visit and learn more!
Kind regards,
Donna