We may still be in holiday mode, but what happens when family members head back to their own homes, the decorations are packed away, and all is quiet once again? For many of us, this sounds like a relief. However, for older loved ones, the end of the holiday season can bring on the blues. After the holiday fun and festivities are over, many older adults experience post-holiday blues for a number of reasons. The great news is that a little help from family and the professional care team at Jewish Family Home Care can help.
What Triggers the Post-Holiday Blues?
Fading Excitement
The anticipation and excitement leading up to the holidays can be invigorating. However, once the festivities are over, the return to the ordinary can feel dull and uninspiring. This contrast between holiday cheer and the quieter post-holiday period can make older loved ones feel a bit down.
Loss of Connection
The hustle and bustle of the holidays brings families and friends together for parties and other celebrations. This togetherness and camaraderie can boost an older adult’s spirits. When the holidays end, however, older adults may feel a void, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Return to Routine
Once the holidays are over, returning to the regular routine can be disorienting. An empty house and clear calendar mean that there are fewer events to look forward to each day, and older loved ones may begin to feel at a loss for how to fill their time.
Tips to Help Older Adults Cope With Post-Holiday Blues
As much as you might want to, you can’t keep up the holiday festivities throughout the entire year. Still, it is possible to help seniors feel more settled after this busy season, while keeping their spirits high. Our care experts offer the following tips.
Maintain Social Connections
Encourage older adults to stay connected with family and friends after the holidays. Regular phone calls, video chats, or planned visits can help combat feelings of isolation. Finding opportunities for volunteering or joining social groups can also provide meaningful social interaction.
Create New Traditions
Help older adults create new, enjoyable traditions to look forward to in the new year. This might include regular outings, hobby clubs, or even planning small gatherings with friends and family throughout the year. These new traditions can help keep up that sense of purpose and anticipation that people often feel around the holiday season.
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Promote physical and mental well-being by encouraging older adults to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can boost their mood and overall health which helps combat the post-holiday blues.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help older adults manage stress and anxiety. These practices can be especially useful in coping with the emotional challenges that come with the post-holiday period.
Seek Professional Support
If post-holiday blues persist and negatively impact an older adult’s mental health and daily life, it may be a good idea to speak to a professional. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance and support in managing depression.
Our Caregivers Are Here for You
The post-holiday blues are a common experience for older adults, but with the right support and strategies, they can find joy and fulfillment throughout the year.
At Jewish Family Home Care, we make it a priority to care for the well-being of older adults, ensuring that they experience the love and companionship they deserve year-round. If someone you love struggles with feelings of loneliness and could benefit from the companionship of one of our professional in-home caregivers, we would be happy to partner with your family to ensure they have the support they need.
Jewish Family Home Care is an award-winning, non-profit home care agency that serves people of all faiths. To learn more about our RN-supervised in-home care services in Hollywood, Coconut Creek, Sunrise, and throughout all of Broward County, give us a call at 954-908-5677 or contact us online.