Welcome back!
We are now in November and the holiday season is moving into full swing. Many people are already Christmas shopping, while others are preparing for a full house on Thanksgiving Day. For caregivers who are already stressed due to their daily duties and responsibilities, the holidays can look like a mountain they must somehow get over any way they can.
To help caregivers overcome holiday stress and hopefully enjoy the season, I have made a list of five ways that have helped me deal with stress each year.
- Pace yourself. Caregivers have enough on their plate without trying to take on very many more responsibilities. Know your level of comfort and ability, and do not accept anything more than you can handle. No is an excellent word to use during the holidays. Do not let family members and friends add to your list of duties. Take time to watch a holiday movie or TV show as a break and to add humor to your day.
- Stay healthy and get adequate rest. This goes along with pacing yourself, but make sure you don’t dive into those delicious baked goods and holiday sweets. Stay on a healthy eating plan as much as possible and try to get as much rest as you can. The stress of this time of year seems to decrease immunity and increase the rate of colds and flu. Rest can help you stay healthy throughout the season.
- Stay organized. Plan ahead, make lists, buy what you need ahead of time if possible to avoid the massive crush of people. If you have a daily routine, try to keep to that schedule and you will get done those tasks that are most important. Set aside those less essential tasks that can be continued after the holiday season.
- Schedule time off. Everyone needs a break. Take a few days or a week away from your care giving duties. Arrange with others to care for your loved one so that you can take a much needed break if only to hide away somewhere at get some rest. Long hot bubble baths and a good book will prepare you for a long nights sleep. Take a few days for yourself and you will come back stronger than ever.
- Journal yourself to a positive attitude. There is nothing like stream-of-consciousness journaling to keep yourself as stress-free as possible. I have used this often, and for many years, to help alleviate stress at work and at home. Don’t judge what you write, and keep it to yourself so that you can write whatever is on your heart. If you want to destroy your writing afterwords, feel free.
Try not to let stress and weariness spoil your holiday season. As a caregiver, your job is stressful enough without the pressure the holdiays can add to your load. Try these five ways you, as a caregiver, can overcome holiday stress.
