How Seniors Can Care for Their Emotional Wellness During the Holidays

Dr. Kyle Magee, Physician, CenterWell

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and visiting with loved ones, but for many seniors, the holidays can evoke a range of uncomfortable feelings. For those staying home, anxiety and loneliness may surface from missing family events and holiday-themed festivities. And for seniors booked with social engagements, stress and other pressures and challenges may arise. To enjoy the upcoming festivities, it’s important for seniors to care for their emotional wellness. Here are some common ways to take care of yourself while spreading holiday cheer:

Taking care of your mind and body will extend your emotional wellness throughout the holiday season, but prioritizing self-care doesn’t have to cost you anything. Rather, it can be as simple as taking fifteen minutes to go for a walk to clear your mind of stress or practicing meditation. You can also practice self-care by eating nourishing foods, getting enough sleep, and scheduling regular doctor visits.

From obligated gift-giving to hours of traveling, holiday expectations can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. To safeguard your emotional wellness, it’s important to establish boundaries with friends and family and to remember that it’s ok to say no to certain holiday events if participating doesn’t work well for you.

The surge of seasonal activities can add a completely new level of stress. To prevent feelings of holiday burnout, manage your activities by balancing your plans, whether virtual or in person, with time to rest and recoup.

CenterWell’s staff of compassionate healthcare professionals is ready to deliver patient-focused primary care and answer any questions you may have. Support is available during the holiday season both in-person and virtually through our online Health Portal.

Whether you are staying home or visiting friends or family for the holidays, CenterWell encourages you to share the above tips with friends and family and to stay connected. Seniors can support their emotional wellness through CenterWell’s activity center — a hub for seniors to come together, build community, and decompress and mingle. Visit your local CenterWell to learn more about our events available for seniors and ask for a calendar of events.

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If you or someone you know is Medicare-eligible and searching for a senior-focused primary care doctor, CenterWell is all about giving our patients the time, attention and care they deserve. To find out more about CenterWell locations in your area, call318-386-3771 or visit us at SeniorFocusedLouisiana.com.

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