As a family caregiver, whether you are a spouse, partner, adult child, or friend, you know the journey is not an over-and-done scenario, it’s a marathon. The key to a successful marathon is planning, preparing, and pacing.
This especially applies to special occasions, which typically take more energy and thought.
Care partners, this is your opportunity to prioritize your health and needs, as well as those of the person in your care. This isn’t always comfortable, but it’s key to making the holidays (as well as the day-to-day) less stressful and more joyful.
Putting these tips into practice will help you recognize and change stress-induced habits and integrate some self-care behaviors into your caregiving routine.
Let’s explore some tips for making the holidays merry, bright, healthy, and relatively stressless for everyone.
Focus on what’s most important to you. While keeping traditions and hosting large gatherings are lovely in concept, what’s most important to you? Time together is the objective. What modifications can you make to still have special and celebratory time with family and friends without the added stress? What gives you and the person in your care the most meaning? How can you simplify your plans and enjoy what truly matters?
Adjust expectations accordingly and ask for help. Be realistic and honest with yourself. If you’ve always hosted the main meal and prepared everything, is this realistic in the context of caregiving responsibilities? Would a potluck work better, with family and friends helping with the menu, set up, and cleaning. Is a meal at a restaurant or another location an option? Would a gathering with treats and coffee work just as well as a full meal? How about a holiday movie night instead? Look at it as creating new traditions and equally wonderful ways to be together.
Make time for laughter. Humor, especially when it induces laughter, is a great stress reliever, as well as a great way to bond and make lasting memories. Find opportunities to laugh often during the holidays. Does your family have a favorite holiday movie comedy you can enjoy together? Do you enjoy playing games? Try a holiday-themed game of charades! Sing-a-longs are always good for all ages too. It’s no joke, laughter is good medicine.
Use the buddy system. Plan ahead to have family and friends take turns being the buddy for the person in your care. This is a great way to encourage one-on-one time as well as minimize any holiday stress the person in your care may experience. It also provides a break for the primary caregiver. This break is a beautiful gift to both the caregiver and the “buddy.”
Gratitude. There is always something to be thankful for. What is that for you? There is always something to be thankful for: a baby’s giggles, the warmth of the morning sun, a fresh pot of coffee brewing. Sometimes gratitude takes practice, but it is a proven stress-buster and can positively affect your health. It changes your perspective and helps you see that there is always some good in life, even in tough times. To help you focus on the positive moments, jot down 3 things you’re grateful for, do a quick gratitude exercise, or tell someone why you’re grateful for them.
“Caregiving is stressful, difficult, yet rewarding work,” reflects my colleague Lisa Mayfield, founder of Aging Wisdom. “With some thoughtful planning, you can take a lot of stress out of the holidays as well as invest in your own health. Remember—your health is as important as that of the person you are caring for. If you’re not healthy, you can’t be your best for your loved one.”
Feeling overwhelmed with your journey as a family caregiver, especially as you prepare for the holidays? We can help! Schedule a free get-acquainted call with us today.
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