Holidays are often associated with celebrations, merry-making, connections, and joy. Some people, however, may feel the other way around. Older adults, for instance, may suffer from the burden of isolation and sadness, known as holiday blues. Those living in SC 55+ retirement communities know what this feeling is all about. It is because they tend to miss family who are gone and are far away.
If you are in such a situation, the only thing you must bear in mind is to try being happy during this time. Celebrate and enjoy each moment, and cherish the good memories that you have of your loved ones. You can also deal with holiday blues with the following tips.
Take Note of Any Mood Changes
What makes you feel blue? How do you know your mood has changed? It is either you lack the usual energy you have, or you feel stressed most especially at this time. That feeling of loneliness suddenly strikes you. When you feel any of these, all you need to do is acknowledge the fact that you are feeling them, then breathe deeply, and let them out. It is perfectly normal to feel a bit down when the holiday season comes.
Reach Out
If you want to deal with holiday blues, it will help having someone to talk to. It is either you give a friend or a family member a call, or write them a letter. Share what you feel with people that matter most, because here is where you will definitely be able to let it all out, without fearing judgement. Your loved ones will empathize with you at the instant of hearing about your situation.
Pets Matter
There are a lot of ways with which you can enjoy social interaction with the world around you. Aside from connecting with friends and family, you can also spend time with your treasured pets. They have the power to cheer you on while you are felling stressed, depressed, and anxious. Spending some valuable time with them will create a good impact on your emotions at the moment, and even on days when the sudden hint of sadness strikes you. They can even boost interaction with others.
Time to Go Back to Your Hobbies
Whether you are a lover of the arts, or you have the passion for writing poems, doing them during the holidays will help combat the negative emotions you are feeling at the moment. You can bake with other residents too, if you want. Any of these fun activities will ease out your heavy heart. It will make you build your sense of identity, too.
Offer Help
Sometimes, you tend to be busy dwelling on your own emotions, that you forget there are others who are less fortunate than you during this time of the year. Find a sense of fulfillment knowing you can still give back to the community, and the people who need help the most. You can cook food for them, or give away some gifts as well.
Yes, it is not easy to dwell with holiday blues, but with the tips above, you will slowly but surely get the hang of the moment. You will remember that this season is a fun time to share with others, old friends and new ones alike.
