The holidays are a time of family, lights, cheer, and food. Many people regard the holidays as a time of great joy and celebration as family and friends gather around and spend time together. Unfortunately, for some adults, the holidays aren’t always so cheery. Sometimes the holiday season and added pressures that come along with it can cause feelings of loneliness and sadness.
What can cause the holiday blues?
- Social Pressure
- Expectations
- Stress
- Exhaustion
- Financial stress
- Inability to be with loved ones
- Unable to cope with life’s demands
- Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression)
Signs and symptoms of the holiday blues:
- Social isolation
- Headaches
- Overeating
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Mood swings
If you find yourself or a loved one feeling down over the holidays or expressing any of these symptoms, try some of these tips to beat the holiday blues:
Socialize and Spend Time with Others
The holidays are known to many as a time of coming together. This can make some older adults feel lonely if they live alone or their family lives far. To beat this feeling of isolation, make an increased effort to be social. Join a group or activity, call an old friend or family member, or attend a local event in your community. Doing things with others will help you take your mind off the blues, and create feelings of belonging and happiness. View our event calendar to see what is taking place near you!
Talk About Your Feelings
During the holidays, there is an added expectation to be cheery and in a pleasant mood. Recognizing that it’s totally okay to feel down around this time is a good step towards processing your feelings. We all know it isn’t healthy to keep emotions bottled up. Finding someone to vent to about how you feel, whether it be a friend or a doctor, is a very cathartic way to relieve stress. You might even find that others feel the same way you do.
Treat Yourself to Your Favorite Holiday Traditions
What were some of your favorite traditions during the holidays? Maybe it was making a gingerbread house, decorating your room, or singing Christmas songs. Whatever you love about the holidays, pick a day to treat yourself to the things that make you happy!
Volunteer
Helping out in the community or giving back to those less fortunate than us is a special reminder of how blessed we are in life. Volunteering also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment which is known to boost low spirits. Plus, volunteering is an excellent way to change your surroundings, meeting new people, and get social interaction!
Keep Up Your Health and Fitness Plan
It’s no secret that it is trickier to stick to dietary restrictions with all the treats and travel of the holidays. However, practicing moderation and limiting foods high in sodium and sugar can make all the difference when it comes to your mental state. Feeding your body nutritious food has a direct effect on your mood! Also, exercising releases dopamine the “feel good” hormone that is known to fight off depression!
If you find yourself or a loved one susceptible to the holiday blues, try out a few of these suggestions! At Aston Gardens, we are all a family. Each resident, team member, and even extended family is cared for and is a joy to have among us. During the holiday season, we have themed events, outings, and daily activities to keep everyone feeling upbeat. Take a look at our event calendar to browse some of our upcoming special holiday events!
