Healthy Holiday Habits – Tips for Patients and Senior Residents

Part 3 - Holidays in Healthcare

The holiday season is often filled with indulgence and relaxation, but for patients and senior living residents in healthcare facilities, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can feel like an uphill battle. However, this time of year also offers unique opportunities to focus on wellness and recovery. By embracing healthy habits, patients and residents can make the most of the season while prioritizing their physical and emotional well-being.

This blog, the third in our series "Holidays in Healthcare", provides practical health tips for patients and residents, offering guidance on staying active, managing stress, and cultivating healthy habits during the holidays. These strategies not only support recovery but also help find balance and joy, even in challenging circumstances

Staying Active in a Healthcare Setting

Physical activity is an essential component of recovery, even in a healthcare setting. According to the National Institute of Health,

“Nearly 10% of premature deaths in the United States, especially adults older than 40 years of age, are associated with inadequate physical activity.”

Patients and residents can engage in simple, low-impact exercises such as seated stretches, light yoga, or gentle walking if mobility allows. Facilities staff can encourage activity by providing access to rehabilitation equipment or hosting guided movement sessions tailored to individual abilities. Another tool to bring movement to residents or patients are Smart TVs for hospitals by PDi Communication Systems, Inc. PDi Smart TVs connected to the internet allow patients to access YouTube exercise videos. Staying active improves circulation, boosts mood, and enhances overall strength, helping patients feel more empowered and engaged in their recovery journey. Encouraging healthy habits in healthcare, such as regular movement, promotes long-term well-being.

 

Managing Stress and Anxiety

The holidays can bring emotional highs and lows, especially for those away from home. Stress management techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or guided relaxation exercises can help patients and residents navigate these emotions. Offering resources such as mindfulness apps or on-site relaxation sessions can make these practices more accessible. Managing stress helps stabilize emotions, improves mental clarity, and fosters a sense of peace. These health tips can transform challenging moments into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

The PDi Smart Patient TVs include built-in apps for games and relaxation, no internet required. The personal arm-mounted medTAB touchscreen TV systems, built by PDi in Springboro, Ohio, are ideal to help patients of all ages stay distracted, manage their stress, and get better rest.

Prioritizing Sleep and Rest

Quality sleep is vital for healing, yet the hospital environment can sometimes make restful nights difficult. Patients and residents can create a soothing bedtime routine by listening to calming music, using sleep masks, or practicing deep breathing before bed. PDi offers relaxation apps on the A-Series Smart hospital wall TVs and arm mounted medTAB Touchscreen TV that can provide a moment for patients to reflect and find peace. Healthcare staff can support this by minimizing nighttime disturbances whenever possible. Adequate rest accelerates recovery, strengthens the immune system, and enhances mood. A focus on sleep reinforces a healthy lifestyle and creates a more rejuvenated feeling during their stay.

Staying Hydrated and Supporting Immunity

Hydration is often overlooked but is crucial for overall health. According to Texas Health and Human Services,

“water is the main property of blood, which carries nutrients to cells and carries waste out of the body.”

Patients and residents should aim to drink plenty of water and consume fluids rich in vitamins, such as herbal teas or electrolyte drinks. Facilities can encourage hydration by offering easily accessible water stations or reminders during meal service. Consuming immune-boosting foods like fruits, vegetables, and soups can also help during the season. Staying hydrated and nourishing the body with immune-boosting nutrients strengthens defenses against illness, contributing to their recovery and overall holiday wellness.

 

Final Thoughts

The holidays are an ideal time to focus on building healthy habits that support recovery and long-term well-being. Whether it’s staying active, managing stress, prioritizing rest, or maintaining hydration, these wellness tips can help patients and residents feel more balanced and empowered during their time in a healthcare facility.

By embracing these strategies, patients and residents can celebrate the season in their own way while making meaningful progress toward their health goals. The commitment to holiday wellness highlights the importance of a positive, proactive approach to care during this special time of year.

Looking for more ways to enhance the holiday experience in healthcare settings? Check out the other blogs in our Holidays in Healthcare series: 5 Ways Healthcare Facilities Can Improve Patient Satisfaction During the Holidays and Holiday Stress Management: Mental Health Tips in Healthcare Settings

These insights will help you navigate the holiday season with care, compassion, and wellness at the forefront.