Caring for Others & Yourself During the Holidays
Caring for Others & Yourself During the Holidays
The holiday season is a joyous time for many, but for some, the responsibilities of caring for a loved one compounded with the pressures of ensuring a cheerful family gathering can make this time of year more stressful than merry. Mental health is a pressing issue throughout the holidays, and that also applies to those providing much-needed care and support to loved ones — caregivers deserve a happy holiday too. So, check out some tips courtesy of the National Council on Aging and the Family Caregiver Alliance and learn some ways to ensure you can enjoy the holiday season.
Keep it simple.
The desire for a big, extravagant celebration is understandable. But given the circumstances, you don’t have to go all out for the holidays — and no one should expect you to. Know your limits. Avoid stressful or time-consuming activities that only add to the stress. Keep meals simple, limit your gifts to one per person, and carve out some time for peace and quiet perhaps with a nice book or a puzzle.
Limit input.
Holiday gatherings can sometimes result in numerous comments and suggestions from multiple directions — whether they’re requested or not. Simpler is better; instead of inviting a large group over at once, spread the holiday out and invite smaller groups over at different times.
Plan
Realizing you forgot something or not having everything you need can make an already stressful situation worse. Before hosting or going to a gathering, create a checklist of everything you and your loved one could need and reduce the risk of a problem later.
Be open to change.
Handing over control can be difficult, especially if you’ve handled the holiday planning for many years before. But just because you’ve done it in the past doesn’t mean you have to keep doing it. Keep your mind open to handing the reins to someone else if they want to accept the responsibility. Be honest with yourself about your energy level; can you handle planning and organizing while also caring for a loved one?
Make time for yourself.
While you’re providing a happy holiday for your loved ones, don’t neglect your own well-being. Carve out some time for yourself to do the things you want to do, whether it’s your favorite hobby, watching your favorite seasonal movie, or just resting and recharging. Don’t let everyone else’s needs push yours to the backburner.
You’re not in this alone — support and encouragement are available locally. Contact Cathy Rigg, LCSW by calling Rushville Family Practice at (217) 322-3345 or the Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic at (217) 323-2245 , or contact Senior Life Solutions and schedule a consultation today.