{"id":7243,"date":"2023-12-26T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-26T14:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bentonhouse.com\/?p=7243"},"modified":"2024-02-09T11:19:06","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T17:19:06","slug":"10-ways-to-help-your-senior-loved-one-beat-the-post-holiday-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bentonhouse.com\/blog\/10-ways-to-help-your-senior-loved-one-beat-the-post-holiday-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Help Your Senior Loved One Beat the Post-Holiday Blues"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the holiday lights dim, and the last of the eggnog has been sipped, our senior loved ones might find themselves with a case of the post-holiday blues.<\/p>\n

It’s a time when the festive buzz hushes down, and for some, especially those who are isolated or managing health concerns, this quiet can feel a bit too silent<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With a dash of creativity, a pinch of humor, and a whole lot of love, we can help them keep (or rediscover) joy in the everyday.<\/p>\n

Help Them Beat the Holiday Blues with Love, Laughter, and the Little Things<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

1 – Stay Connected<\/h2>\n

Regular catch-ups can do wonders. Maybe it’s time for a weekly “What’s new in the neighborhood” call, or a “Guess what I cooked today” video chat. Staying connected<\/a> with others in meaningful ways has been shown to help older adults live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose.<\/p>\n

2 – Get Moving<\/h2>\n

Encourage some light physical activity for those feel-good endorphins. Whether it’s indoor bowling or joining a local dance class, exercise can be a mood lifter. In fact, studies show<\/a> that just 30 minutes a day of light activity can be linked with longer life expectancy.<\/p>\n

3 – Keep a Routine<\/h2>\n

Help your senior loved one adapt their regular daily rhythm for winter. Swap out that chilly morning walk for a cozy stretch session or a virtual yoga class. Creating small, daily victories can help beat those post-holiday blues.<\/p>\n

According to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, routine can help manage stress and anxiety\u200b\u200b.<\/p>\n

4 – Dive Into a Hobby<\/h2>\n

Whether it\u2019s painting, gardening, or mastering the art of crossword puzzles, hobbies are not just fun \u2013 they\u2019re also therapeutic. Art therapy in particular<\/a> can make a wonderful winter activity you can include your senior loved one in.<\/p>\n

5 – Keep up Friendships<\/h2>\n

Encourage your senior loved one to enjoy small, safe social gatherings if and when possible. Lunch with the neighbor or a board game night can bring back the fun. Social activities are crucial<\/a> for seniors, especially over the winter.<\/p>\n

6 – Encourage Volunteering<\/h2>\n

Suggest winter volunteer activities that align with their interests. It\u2019s a great way to help your senior loved one feel connected and purposeful. A few ideas: holiday meal programs, virtual mentoring, or local library support.<\/p>\n

7 – Get in the Kitchen Together<\/h2>\n

We all know a healthy and diverse diet can majorly uplift our mood, but it can be easy to get stuck in a rut, especially during the winter. Maybe it’s time to try out that new smoothie recipe or bake a batch of nutritious oatmeal cookies together.<\/p>\n

8 – Cozy up Their Living Space<\/h2>\n

If they can\u2019t get out and about to get a chance of scenery, how about bringing one to them? Collaborate on making their living space more comfy and inviting. A little rearranging, some new cushions, better lighting. Voila, a lifted mood!<\/p>\n

9 – Integrate Mindful Moments<\/h2>\n

Introduce them to simple mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Mindfulness practices, including meditation, have been shown to prevent depression and anxiety, improve cognition, and even help manage pain.<\/p>\n

Studies indicate<\/a> that these practices can enhance immune function, improve heart health, and lead to an overall better quality of\u00a0<\/p>\n

10 – Consider Professional Guidance<\/h2>\n

And remember, if you notice signs of persistent sadness or anxiety, it’s a good idea to seek help from a healthcare professional. A little expert advice can go a long way.<\/p>\n

Next Steps for Overcoming Post-Holiday Blues<\/h1>\n

With these strategies and a good dose of patience and empathy, you can help make the post-holiday period a time of renewed joy and connection for your senior loved ones.<\/p>\n

You can always get compassionate, tailored support from us in one of these three easy ways \u2014 all completely free.<\/p>\n

Visit our support page<\/a> to request your complimentary Caregiver Workbook.<\/p>\n

Call our Caregiver Hotline for free custom support at 855-461-2552. All questions welcome.<\/p>\n

Send us a message<\/a> describing how we can support you. Choose whether you\u2019d like us to reach out: text, email, or snail mail.<\/p>\n

There is no charge for these services. They\u2019re simply an extension of our mission to help every family who calls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When the holiday lights dim, and the last of the eggnog has been sipped, our senior loved ones might find themselves with a case of the post-holiday blues. It’s a time when the festive buzz hushes down, and for some, especially those who are isolated or managing health concerns, this quiet can feel a bit […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":7244,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15,81,47],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caregivers","category-health","category-holidays"],"yoast_head":"\n10 Ways to Help Your Senior Loved One Beat the Post-Holiday Blues | Benton House<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With a dash of creativity, a pinch of humor, and a whole lot of love, you can help them keep (or rediscover) joy in the everyday.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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