Tips for Handling Post-holiday Blues

MediNurse, now in its 4th decade as the premier provider of private duty nursing in St. Louis, reminds the public that while many people feel relief when the bustle is over, others, especially seniors, develop feelings of sadness.

The winter holidays have happened, and the decorations are boxed and stored for next year. Older adults are more likely to have difficulty with both pre- and post-holiday blues if they are isolated from family and friends. Seniors are also more likely to be suffering from ill health, which can exacerbate feelings of post-holiday depression.

For seniors, the holidays can bring up feelings of loss and loneliness for a spouse or close friends who have passed. If it is the first holiday season without a spouse or life-long friend, that pain is very fresh.

Here are a few tips to help deal with or alleviate the post-holiday blues:

• Work with family members to create visible memories of the holiday season. Collect favorite photos and cards, and tell stories about the photos. This is entertaining and helps to preserve the history of family celebrations.
• Make a plan to learn something new. A beginning yoga or computer class can be practical and helpful emotionally. Various courses are offered around the metropolitan area.
• Volunteer your time. Whether it’s reading to young children at the local preschool or caring for dogs at an animal shelter, these helpful activities can be therapeutic and rewarding.
• If possible, plan a future getaway to someplace warm. It doesn’t need to be a big, expensive trip but it provides something to look forward to.
• Contact your health care provider if sadness is extreme or does not abate.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.