Mental health awareness is an important part of health, especially during the holiday season. But it’s not always easy to acknowledge that we are having a difficult time or know how to handle it.. Here are some of the best ways to take care of your mental health as an older person or a care provider.

Get Enough Sleep

It’s not easy to turn off your mind at night to go to sleep with all the concerns we might have or things we want to do. But sleep is an important part of taking care of your mental health. If you don’t get enough sleep each night, you may feel worse if something bad happens. Things to do to make sure you get enough rest at night include:

  • Keeping a regular bedtime throughout the week and weekend.
  • Make sure your mattress is in good shape. They last for an average of 10 years and can affect sleep when they are beyond this time frame.
  • Take time to wind down by reading a book, meditating, or taking a hot bath before bed.

Eat and Drink Well

The holidays are a time when people tend to eat more. As holiday goodies roll in, so remember to take a balanced approach as much as possible. Patterns of healthy eating help contribute to feeling better physically and mentally.

Be Prepared

The holiday traditions we usually participate in may look different this year. You may have to share a meal with your friends or family members over zoom or settle for phone calls to stay safe. Some people may not want to do this and prefer an in-person meal. It is imperative that we try and prevent the spread of COVID during this critical time. We are so close to getting vaccinated, please try and hang in there and practice safe infectious disease procedures.

Don’t Forget to Stay Connected

The holidays are a lonely time for many people in normal times. Given the pandemic we’re living through, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to people that you love and care about. If it’s possible and safe, consider only meeting in-person outside and taking a walk together while maintaining 6 feet of distance and wearing masks.

You can also take up an activity, new hobby, or a skill such as playing an instrument or knitting to help make yourself feel better.

If you’re concerned about the well-being of a loved one in Orange County or Newport Beach, CA during this holiday season, reach out to Optimal Senior Care Solutions. We offer different care solutions that can help their holiday season be a little brighter.