Post-Holiday Caregiver Care Holidays are a bustling time for many, and for caregivers, it can be both exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. On one hand, caregivers may have extra helping hands around as family visits happen and there are more people in the environment to assist. At the same time, family members may have had more questions, provided unsolicited well-meaning advice, or the rhythm of daily routines was thrown off. In the weeks following the holiday season, caregivers need to find ways to focus some attention on themselves to refresh.
Ways to Find Renewal in the New Year continued ...
Here are some ways to begin to change your focus to be more present: Live a more minimalist life – Removing unneeded possessions that hold old memories allows you to stop living in the past. Capture the moments - Absorb as much of today as possible – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the emotions, the triumph, and the sorrow. These are in our daily lives but we often forget to take them in and appreciate them. Forgive the past - If you are holding onto resentment choose to forgive and move on. Find a way to let go and be present - living in the ‘now.’
Some helpful actions for heading into the post-holiday season could include things like:
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Reset routines : Get back to normal routines for meals, sleeping, exercise, caregiving, and socializing. Refresh your routine too by adding in something new you may have been trying to fit in. Now may be the time to sneak it in each week or each day. Make a calendar for “Looking Ahead” : Plan a few things each month or every couple of months that you can look forward to – a new activity, a vacation, a new book. Layout a few things on your calendar you can get excited about. Get out and connect: Taking some breathing time after a busy season is good but take time to connect with old friends or family members, and make a plan to go for a walk, or meet up for a coffee, or exchange books, puzzles or recipes when you meet up. Seek help: If the post-holiday blues are lingering and you are struggling with feelings of hopelessness or despair, get help. It is out there. Make an appointment with your health care team for a checkup, seek out a therapist or counselor. Whatever you do, know that you aren’t alone and help is available. Call us at the PCSBV and we can direct you to some help.
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Japanese cherry blossoms are a timeless metaphor for human existence and a symbol of life, death and renewal.
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For those of us that know caregivers who gave their extra effort over the holidays, perhaps sharing some care by providing the person with a small gift for their self-care - a book you enjoy, a gift card for a special coffee, or a simple thank you card with a message of thanks.
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