Overcoming the post-Christmas blues
The post-Christmas blues can be a difficult time for many people, including the elderly. After the intensity of feeling and business of the holiday season, it can be hard to re-adjust to our everyday routines. If you’re struggling with the post-Christmas blues, here are some tips for overcoming them:
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and improve your overall well-being. Walking can be a wonderful form of exercise for those who are able. We’ve written a whole blog post on the benefits of walking which provides more information. There are also plenty of other exercises that can help boost your mental health from stretching to swimming and dancing. If you’re an older adult who’s keen to get moving, make sure you touch base with your doctor before trying any new fitness program.
Gratitude
As humans, our brains are trained to focus on the negative, especially during the come down after the holidays. But practising gratitude can help shift your perspective. Take a few minutes each day to think about the things you are grateful for, no matter how small they may seem. You can write them down in a list or say them out loud. You could even share a moment of gratitude with a loved one.
Set goals and intentions
The start of a new year is a great time to set goals and intentions. These can give you something to work towards and provide a sense of purpose. Make a list of goals that are meaningful to you and take small steps towards achieving them. They can be small things that actually make a big difference such as practising gratitude daily, sending a loving message to a friend every day or even drinking a whole glass of water every morning. Even the simple things can make a big difference to your wellbeing.
Connect with others
It can be easy to feel isolated after the holidays, and we know that loneliness can be common among elderly people. Make an effort to connect with others, whether it’s simply reaching out to friends, joining a club or group, or even expressing your feelings to your carers. Here at Birchwood care services, being good company and a friendly face is incredibly important to each of our carers. Please do reach out to us if you think you could benefit from a visit.
Find new hobbies
Try something new to add some excitement to your daily routine. Take up a new hobby or activity that you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe you could try drawing, singing or knitting. Learning to craft can actually be great for those in later life.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re struggling with the post-Christmas blues and finding it hard to cope, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide support and guidance to help you through this difficult time. You’re never alone and there’s always someone out there willing to listen and help where they can.
Remember, it’s normal to feel a little down after the holidays. But with time and effort, you can overcome the post-Christmas blues and start feeling better.
For more tips on boosting your mood, you can check out our post on staying happy in your later years.
