Submitted by Peggy Sue McRae, Journal contributor
Holidays can be a mixed bag. It can be a joy to connect with family and friends. Special traditions bring continuity and meaning into our lives but especially for seniors the holidays can also be difficult. You may have suffered losses and be missing loved ones. You may have lost some of your own ability to keep up with all of the activities and demands of the season. Holidays can bring with them pressures and expectations that cause anxiety and stress. Here are a few suggestions to help beat the holiday blues.
Pace yourself: Make plans to do things you know you will enjoy and remember that it is perfectly OK to say no to things you do not want to do. One of the perks of being an old-timer is that we can legitimately say, “Sorry, that’s past my bedtime.”
Make Connections: If you are on your own it is easy to feel lonely this time of year. Sending cards is a great way to keep in touch with people we might otherwise lose touch with. Plus, if you send cards you are more likely to receive cards in return and that can lift your spirits. As families grow and change traditions change too. Be open to trying something new. Over the pandemic, most of us learned how to Zoom. I was unable to join my sisters recently for a holiday gathering but a half-hour Zoom with them was fun and kept me from feeling left out.
Give Back: Volunteering is a great way to foster connections and there are plenty of worthy causes that could use your help. Check with the Mullis Center (360-370-4015) for volunteer opportunities. Theatre, arts and many civic organizations rely on volunteers. Find something that resonates with you.
Self Care: Drink plenty of water. Eat wholesome hearty food. Wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothes. It may be dark, cold, and wet outside but try to get out for a walk or at least a breath of fresh air. Even a little yoga or stretching can get endorphins flowing and improve your mood. Try to maintain your usual self-care routines over the holidays.
The Reason for the Season: Whatever your spiritual path or lack of one, the darkest nights of the year have always prompted people to celebrate the returning sun. Whether you light advent candles, a menorah, or burn a Yule log find a way to honor the spirit of the season. A new year can mean a fresh start. Take some quiet time to contemplate what that means to you.
Ask For Help: If you experience sadness that is overwhelming or does not go away please seek help.
• 24-Hour National Crisis Line (800-584-3578)
• Compass Health in Friday Harbor (360-317-3832)
• If you have thoughts of suicide, get help right away. Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988
