By Patty Endres, Garden Square at Westlake Assisted Living, (970) 578-0343
Is it harder and harder to get geared up for the holidays? Do you feel like you’re spinning your wheels and don’t know how to start? Tasks can get more complicated as we age especially if we have problems getting around, financial restraints or recent losses in your life. Here are a few tips from the Mayo Clinic that can help you not only get through them, but enjoy the holidays.
1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with family, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief.
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious, social events or volunteering.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Don’t try to buy happiness.
6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking etc. Ask for help preparing for and cleaning up if you give a party.
7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed.
8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. 15 minutes alone may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do.
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, if sadness, sleep disturbances, pain, irritability or hopeless persist talk to your doctor.