The winter holidays bring excitement, joy, and family gatherings, but they also cause stress. Travel, rich foods, and social demands can leave you feeling drained, impacting your physical and mental well-being. The following senior wellness tips help you focus on energy and balance, so you can enjoy the festive season without running yourself into the ground.

Manage Stress and Mental Health

Let’s face it, the holidays are stressful. You’re juggling planning visits and hosting guests. Family gatherings can be a minefield if relatives don’t get along, and the costs of travel, food, and gifts can cause financial pressure. It’s no surprise 89% of Americans report increased stress caused by winter festivities.

Self-care for seniors helps manage stress during hectic times. Try the following suggestions:

  • Set reasonable goals for how you spend your time, money, and energy. You're at a point in life where you can slow down and enjoy the season without exhausting yourself or your bank account.
  • Set aside time for yourself every day, whether it's to visit friends, exercise, or enjoy a mug of coffee with a good book.
  • Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Overture Apartments’ Live Here / Live Well program offers custom-developed classes and activities to alleviate and manage stress.
  • Start a daily gratitude practice, such as journaling about what you appreciate in life. Gratitude reduces cortisol levels, sometimes called the “stress hormone.”
  • Acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad, stressed, tired, or angry. Let yourself feel those emotions. Reach out to your support network to help process what you’re feeling.
  • Learn to say “no” to requests or tasks that would overwhelm you.
  • Changes in schedule, like the holidays, increase the risk of missing your meds, which can impact your mood. Pillboxes with compartments provide visual reminders to take medication on time.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

The sweet and savory treats that come with the holidays often tempt people to overeat: on average, people gain 1-3 pounds during the holidays. While a bit of indulgence is fine, remember to eat a healthy diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and protein, and keep an eye on portion sizes. Senior living often means managing health problems, so be mindful of your diet, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Remember to stay hydrated during festivities. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re consuming alcohol, which can dehydrate the body. If alcohol interferes with your medication, choose non-alcoholic alternatives.

Stay Active in Ways That Work for You

Staying active supports overall wellness and helps manage stress by boosting mood and energy. While colder weather can make it harder to get outside, there are plenty of enjoyable ways to keep moving comfortably indoors. Try gentle stretching, light movement classes, or join a social event that keeps you engaged and connected. Overture 55+ communities offer a variety of safe, indoor opportunities to support your well-being all season long.

Prioritize Safety and Rest

Cold weather, busy schedules, and seasonal stress can take a toll on your health. Make sure your home is well-heated and medications are easily accessible. Avoid overbooking events—quiet time matters. Rest helps maintain energy and mood, while safety measures prevent accidents. Stick to your regular sleep schedule.

When you’re outside, protect yourself from the elements by layering clothing, and be mindful of icy paths. Consider using canes or walkers if you need help with stability.

Winter is cold and flu season, and seasonal activities may bring you into contact with contagious people. Staying up to date on flu and COVID vaccinations reduces your risk of illness, as does frequent handwashing.

Enjoy Yourself!

Any focus on seniors' wellness should include social interaction. Involvement with family and community events helps combat loneliness. Our Overture 55+ communities offer plenty of opportunities for interaction, including social gatherings, seasonal crafts, cooking classes, and other activities. Senior living should be vibrant and engaging, a truism that’s built into every aspect of Overture life!