By Greg Pascucci
The holidays are in full swing and there is much to do—cards to mail, gifts to buy and people to visit. But, before you add another item to your growing to-do list, be sure to add some downtime and self-care.
Here are five tips for a stress-free holiday season:
1. Stay Active
It’s easy to become caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and neglect our health and wellness. However, staying active – even as the year comes to a close – is a great way to jumpstart fitness goals for 2020! Exercise produces endorphins which can improve one’s ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress levels. The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community, offers residents more than 10 weekly opportunities for physical activity. Classes such as Yoga and Tai Chi are perfect for alleviating stress and leaving participants feeling invigorated.
2. Give Back
Research shows that giving of one’s time is tied to lowered blood pressure, reduced stress and increased life expectancy. This December, consider volunteering at your local library or a food pantry. At The Carlisle, residents will spend quality time with students from Sabal Palm Elementary School. The children visit The Carlisle several times throughout the year and the holiday visit is among everyone’s favorite. Residents will watch a movie with the students and host them for a lovely lunch in the onsite restaurant. In addition to reaping the rewards associated with giving back, they’ll benefit from intergenerational programming, shown to improve one’s sense of purpose.
3. Indulge Without Overconsuming
Go ahead and sample the decadent eggnog cheesecake bars or the chocolate cream pie. Research finds that the ingredients found in many desserts contain high levels of endorphins that can make us feel good almost immediately. The holidays are a time to indulge. Don’t beat yourself up for taking advantage of the season’s delicacies. The key is to eat in moderation. Try eating smaller portions or sharing a treat with a family member. You’ll be able to savor the taste and flavor of the holidays without the feelings of guilt. The Carlisle Naples’ Executive Chef Marlon Perez and his culinary team are known for masterfully creating healthier holiday dessert alternatives without sacrificing flavor or taste.
4. Don’t Take On More Than You Can Handle
From purchasing gifts for everyone on the Christmas list to attending holiday parties, it can feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day. Remember to slow down and be kind to yourself. Listen to your body and don’t neglect self-care. It’s perfectly okay to decline an invitation and not uphold a family tradition if it becomes too overwhelming. For residents at The Carlisle, the maintenance-free lifestyle enables them to spend each day as they wish. Without the hassles of day-to-day responsibilities such as cooking or even decorating for the holidays, residents find they now have more time to truly soak in the spirit of the holidays and socialize with family, friends and neighbors.
5. Have Fun
Decorating the Christmas tree should be a fun activity, not one that causes stress and anxiety. Baking cookies with the grandchildren should not feel like a chore. If you’ve lost a bit of your holiday magic, take a break. Do something fun such as driving to see holiday lights in Victoria Park. Attend a Hanukkah concert. Participate in the Jingle Bell 5K. There are numerous themed events taking place throughout Naples to add some fun to the holidays. At The Carlisle Naples, the December calendar of activities is filled with programs sure to put everyone in a festive mood. Highlights include a Holiday Cabaret featuring talented performer Doug Williams, appearances by The New Chorale of Southwest Florida and Naples Dixieland Jazz Band, a Hanukkah celebration and festive New Year’s Eve party to ring in the new year!
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant. For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.srgseniorliving.com