Tips to Manage Caregiver Stress During the Holidays

Tips to Manage Caregiver Stress during the Holiday

The holiday season can be festive and joyful however, with too much going on in too little time, it can easily become overwhelming. Caregivers are faced with the demands of the holiday season on top of their already busy schedules of taking care of aging loved ones, families, and work. This can quickly lead to caregiver burnout. In fact, studies show that caregiver burnout often peaks during the holidays.

If you are a caregiver, here are some tips to make holidays enjoyable and less stressful.

  1. Lower your expectations.

Forget perfection. There may have been a time when you spent hours handcrafting gifts for your loved one or attended Christmas carols in the community with your family and friends. It is okay if you can not do all that now. Focus on what you can do, do your best let that be good enough.

  1. Ask for help.

Although asking for help may feel hard, now is the perfect time to do so. Ask a friend to watch over your loved one or help with cooking a meal. Look for a senior day care you can drop off your loved one to socialize as you run errands. Remember, if you do not ask for help, people may not realize you need it.

  1. Say No if you need to.

Be clear about what you can and can not do. It is okay to say no to extra duties or requests of assistance If you feel you can not balance them with your caregiver duties. Let the person know that you would love to help them but your time is limited and they could help by being flexible.

  1. Stick to the simple traditions.

It may be wise to look into your holiday traditions. When a tradition brings more stress than joy, it may be time to let go and keep the simple ones.

  1. Acknowledge your feelings and frame of mind

To some of you, the holidays may stir up anger or grief due to the loss of a loved one or other life tragedies. You do not have to bury your feeling, talk to someone or write in a journal. Remember your feelings are valid.

Contact Havenly Care Solutions at 781-257-2023 for more information on how to ease your caregiver role.

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