Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays

by | Dec 16, 2024 | Blog, Prime Carolina Coast, Prime Independent Living

Our Suggestions for Mitigating Seasonal Sadness


The holiday season is a joyous time for many, but it can also be challenging for older adults (and indeed, everyone). Shorter days, feelings of nostalgia, shifting family dynamics… All these things can increase the creeping sadness, stress, and loneliness of the winter months. 

When our team, years ago, began planning and ideating the first Prime Community, social and emotional wellbeing was top of mind for us. Today that remains true, and one of our central missions is building real communities for active older adults who don’t need a retirement home but do want a community of care, friendship and holistic wellbeing. As the holiday season ramps up, let’s explore some ways you can take care of yourself during this season of both joy and change.

1. Feel your feelings

It’s perfectly normal to experience a mix of emotions during the holidays. It is, after all, a time of reflection as the year comes to an end. For most of us, we look back not just on the year but on holidays past, and we reflect on the good, as well as the sad. Complicated feelings are universal – that twinge of bittersweet is a poignant reminder of a life richly lived. Something that’s helpful for many is to allow yourself to feel what you feel, without judgement, but with curiosity. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Consider journaling or another creative outlet for emotions. And realize, you aren’t alone.

2. Connect with others

Social connections are vital for our mental well-being at any time of year. Participate in community events or volunteer somewhere meaningful. Invite a friend on a walk or to go for coffee. Have people over or visit someone you care about. And if you can’t engage in person, that’s ok. Give someone a call to say hello or set up virtual gatherings with family and friends. Years of research into depression and addiction point to the same cure: Connection. We are a social species, and we need each other.

3. Create new traditions

When children grow up and move out, the holidays change. When a spouse, sibling or friend passes away, this time of year looks (and feels) different, more hollow. One way to work with these changes is to consider new traditions or activities. What that looks like depends entirely on you. Maybe you could hold a dinner party or potluck at your place. Maybe you’d like to volunteer at a shelter, soup kitchen or church. Perhaps you’d like to travel somewhere new or maybe it’s a good time to start or join a book club or regular card game. There are so many ways to shift traditions to better match this stage of life. Pick what you love, and build something new.

4. Stay active and purposeful

You’d be surprised how effective even a short stroll can be to combat stress! Other activities like yoga or golfing a few holes can boost your spirits enormously. Join a class. Head into town for some shopping. Watch the sunset on the shoreline. Go see the holiday lights. Staying active is key, especially over the holidays. Keeping a healthy schedule around waking, mealtime, and going to bed can do wonders for your mental health.

5. Eat and drink well

There is a tendency over the holidays to either overeat festive meals or consume unhealthy foods because they’re more readily available, offer us a little dopamine boost, and provide right-now gratification. But nutrition and gut health are key in mood and function. Enjoying a holiday treat is something we should all allow ourselves, but keeping our bodies nurtured with plenty of water, fiber, and protein will help us in both mind and body.

Spend the holidays with us!

Prime Carolina Coast’s independent living community in Conway is the perfect place for older adults to celebrate the holidays and enjoy life year-round. From festive activities guaranteed to make you smile to our classic karaoke nights, card games, outings and fitness classes, there’s always something great going on.

So yes, the holidays can be lonely, but here, you’ll find friendships that feel like family. With welcoming residents and staff, you’ll always have someone to share a meal, join an activity, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Even if you’re not quite ready to make a move, we invite you to attend one of our many holiday events to get to know us and the people who live here. Check out our event calendar and give us a call: (843) 279-5617.

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