The holiday season is a beautiful time of year, but can take so much energy and emotional bandwidth from us; sometimes resulting in feeling weighed down. This is why I am focusing on the importance of self-care for seniors here in the UK; because taking time out for ourselves can make significant impact on how we spend the festive season. While the busy holiday season may center on celebrations and parties, it’s also essential that seniors get through the holidays in a manner that will benefit their mental health; it’s just as important as the celebrations themselves. (Get further information on how to look after your mental health during the holidays here)
Self-Care: The Holiday Secret I Discovered Years Ago
I spent my 40s and early 50s on autopilot. Juggling work, family and holiday preparations once felt almost effortless, it also took its toll in terms of pressure over the years. Then suddenly, I thought I absolutely could not handle the holiday pressure this way anymore. It was not just a question of age: It was about figuring out that the holiday season is about joy and not about feeling worn out.
For me, self-care set the stage for a season filled with cheer. But the truth was that, by trying to listen to my own needs, I had more energy, more joy, less worries.
Understanding Holiday Anxiety
The holidays are not always as magical as we would like them to be, there are dinners to prepare, gifts to purchase and family dynamics to unpack. But these have not overshadowed the joys of the season.
What are some common types of stress on Retirees?
Family Responsibilities: It can be challenging to plan around family schedules.
Financial Strain: The gift-giving and celebration during the holidays can be hard on a retiree’s limited budget.
Nostalgia: Grieving a loss of a loved one or missing having one is painful during this time of year.
Being aware of these reasons allowed me to approach the holidays with a more grounded perspective. For instance, when you realise that stress management for retiree is inevitable, you will feel empowered and better control your life.
Walking: My favourite holiday ritual
There’s something magical about walking through the quieter streets in this season. The roads are less congested, the air cleaner and everything is just a little bit more tranquil.
Walking can be a great way to remain active, but walking can also help with mental health for seniors during the holidays. It gives me time to clear my head, admire the competing holiday decorations and take a deep breath. This ritual has become one of my most loved forms of self-care for seniors. Read our article here on Retirement Fitness Advice: 7 Ways to Stay Healthy and Happy.
Creating a mindful space to breathe
Couple of years ago, I made a bold decision to carve out a sacred space inside my home for mindfulness. I call it my “breathing corner,” and it’s where I retire to when holiday stress starts to rise.
Here are the three things in my special corner:
A cozy blanket for those cold UK winter days.
A special chair that is mine to relax in.
Some scented candles, to help relax the atmosphere.
I just sit here sometimes and do my breathing when I feel really overwhelmed. Even five minutes could be “huge” I try listening to every breath in and every breath out, noticing, on the exhale, the tension being released each time. It has become a cornerstone of routine and I can’t overstate how highly I recommend this as a practice of self-care for seniors in the UK.
Simplifying Holiday Traditions
Over the years I have managed to free my mind of the idea that everything has to be perfect. It’s whether it’s worth killing myself over with elaborate decorations or homemade gifts that I now spend my time/energy on what I feel is meaningful and doable.
What Do I do Differently:
Gifts: Instead of handmade gift I have substituted quality time spent with family and friends during an afternoon tea.
Decorating: I can make my home feel festive, but with less effort; a small, well-lit tree, a wreath on the door is fine.
Meals: Potluck-style dinners have made holiday gatherings a lot less stressful.
These small adjustments have given us a nice holiday with less stress all around.
This is Not Selfish, Saying No, Create a boundary!
One of the toughest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that you can say no. There were times when I felt pressured to attend every gathering or take on holiday-related chores, but I found those things often left me feeling exhausted.
Now I think about what matters to me, and if an offer feels like too much, I politely turn them down. Whether I excuse myself from a party or ask that someone else hosts a family dinner, setting boundaries has become a crucial part of my agenda.
How I Practice Self-Care in the Holidays
Sleep Enough: I try to have some discipline about my bedtime routine regardless of how late the festivities continue.
Eating Healthy Meals: I used to allow my healthy habits to slip during the holidays but now I realise how much more energetic I feel sticking with healthier meals. It does not mean that I don’t eat the mince pies or Christmas pudding, I just eat them in moderation.
Drinking extra water: And hydration? That’s a big one! I always have my water bottle around, even in winter when I am not as thirsty. It keeps me energized and focused even on the busiest or longest days.
This routine has worked well for me and a helpful guide to help mental health of seniors during these holidays.
Finding Joy in Simple Moments
The holidays are full of little things that make the season special. These days, I find joy in:
Enjoying a mug of hot chocolate
My favourite old time music that would make me feel like a kid again
Catching up on TV soaps, game shows and films with family and friends around the fireplace.
I feel less overwhelmed when I focus on these tiny yet fulfilling pleasures.
A Holiday to Remember
So the holidays are not about doing everything, but learning to find joy in those things no matter how small or large. It can be a cheerful night in with a good book or laughter around the table, or both. What makes the season special is those things. As you move into this time of celebration, I hope you will give yourself the gift of self-care for seniors. Take it day by day, let go of perfection and think about what actually makes you happy. You deserve a holiday season that’s uniquely yours.
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