Post-holiday Blues

The winter holidays are over, and the decorations are boxed and stored for next year. Seniors sometimes develop feelings of sadness. Older adults are more likely to have difficulty with both pre- and post-holiday blues if they are isolated from family and friends. Seniors are also more likely to be suffering from ill health, which can exacerbate feelings of post-holiday depression.

Here are tips to dealing with the post-holiday blues:

· Plan a getaway in February or March, ideally someplace warm. It doesn’t need to be a big, expensive trip.

· Make a plan to learn something new. Consider taking a beginning yoga or computer class.

· Work with family members to create visible memories of the holiday season. Collect favorite photos and cards, and share stories about the photos.

· Volunteer. It can be therapeutic to help others.

· Contact your health care provider if sadness is extreme or does not abate.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.