The holiday music has started to follow us everywhere we go. Whether you’re in the car, the grocery store, or even in your own room the ballads of joy and holiday spirit surround us. The holidays are typically a time filled with family, celebrations, traditions, and joy. Despite these festive times, the holidays can be difficult for older adults. The holidays can cause an increase in feelings of loss, stress, and sadness. The stress of hosting, shopping, and planning can be overwhelming. Looking back on previous years, it is easy to focus on who is not at the table with us. How does one cope with the holidays and these overwhelming feelings? There are some different ways to channel your energy.
Focus on cherished traditions. Holiday traditions are cherished activities that act as a way to bring people together. Traditions that we hold close to us or that have significant meaning can act as a comfort during times where we feel overwhelmed. These traditions allow us to reminisce about years prior, the years we begun the traditions, and even what the traditions signify to us.
Talk about your feelings. Talking about our feelings is an important way in which we regulate our emotions and process our feelings. Exploring these feelings and thoughts with a loved one, friend, or professional can provide insight to what is going on. If talking to someone seems daunting, journaling can act as a therapeutic way to explore these feelings and emotions.
Respect your own boundaries. It is okay to say no. Often individuals tend to overload our scheduled in attempt to stay busy or cope with the stress. Hosting family and friends can act as stressors, adding on to what additional roles we must maintain. Understanding what too much is can help us prevent overwhelming feelings or further distress. Respecting our boundaries is essential to maintaining self-care.
Engage in community connection. Engaging in our community can allow us to feel connected with those around us. Community connection adds to a sense of belonging and increases our trust in the community. Community connections act as a social connection and help alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Volunteer. Volunteering gives us the opportunity to give back to others. Individuals may feel like they have no money to give, but volunteering is a simple way to give back. Acts of service promotes happiness through the release of dopamine and provides a sense of accomplishment. Volunteering can be a way to increase our confidence, learn new skills, find a sense of purpose, and meet others.
Try something new. Trying new things are good for the brain as we strengthen connections and work to enhance our cognition. By trying new things, we also work on increasing the flexibility of our brain. Flexibility allows us to adapt and change as our environment, avoiding ridged situations in which we feel we cannot change. There are a variety of ways that we can try new things. Whether its food, activities, or situations, we actively stride to push ourselves and what we find comfortable.
