It’s holiday time and the regular demands of caregiving skyrocket now. With Medicare deadlines, end of year medical appointments, and concerns about coverage during the holiday season, you have more things than usual to take care of for your mother’s care. And that’s without adding buying holiday gifts for her to give, planning a holiday get together that she can attend, and gifting her providers who show extra courtesy.
What’s a daughter to do when she has her own brood, work, and responsibilities as an adult woman, too?
Here are twelve stress busters.
- Identify what is giving you the most stress. Tasks? People? Expenses? Scheduling? Health?
- Be honest with yourself about what you can do.
- Identify what you can’t do in a realistic way.
- Delegate those timebound and seasonal tasks and responsibilities that you cannot manage.
- Use language that makes you feel ok about outsourcing.
- Be assertive about it without excusing yourself.
- Stay connected to those who offer support-family, friends, therapists, significant others.
- Accept the things you can’t change.
- Give yourself small treats to keep yourself going.
- Avoid unhealthy stress busters.
- Choose your battles.
- Laugh, remember, do, repeat.
During the holidays, remember that taking care of yourself is essential to providing the support your loved one needs. By applying these strategies, you can stay centered, let go of unnecessary burdens, and maintain a sense of calm. Ultimately, safeguarding your own well-being helps ensure that everyone can experience the warmth and meaning this special season offers.
If you enjoyed this, Caring Professionals has lots of holiday tips to ensure everyone enjoys themselves:
