Spending the HolidaysAlone? Boost Your Mood With These Tips
Plan ahead. If you know in advance that you’re going to be spending the holidays alone, planning ahead can prevent negative feelings. While being spontaneous can sometimes keep things fresh, it could leave you with a feeling of hopelessness about what to do next. There’s no need for your list to be extensive or highly detailed, but even just planning to watch a movie or cook some of your favorite dishes can give you something to look forward to. Take care of yourself. Just because you’re not seeing people during the holidays does not mean you should forgo your basic needs. Stick to your regular hygiene habits and do not let them get away from you. The same goes for eating and sleeping. Staying clean, well-fed, and well- rested goes a long way toward improving your happiness. As with all mental health advice, what works for some does not work for everyone. Do what you think will work best for you and help you keep your thoughts happy.
Many Americans spend the holidays alone every year, and the pandemic has only made it more difficult for people to see their loved ones, as travel has become more restricted and strenuous. If you’re one of these people who are spending their first holiday season alone this year, here are a few strategies you can try to make the situation a little easier. Don’t hold yourself to the usual standards. One of the best things about spending the holidays alone is that you can do things your way. You don’t have to worry about meeting everyone else’s standards. Instead, you only have to make yourself happy. Simply telling yourself that you are not going to have the usual holiday environment can slightly help, but redefining what the holiday means to you can remove a huge weight. Trying new things or looking toward the future are great ways to reduce the stress of spending the holidays alone. Keeping up with old traditions may remind you of what you’re missing out on, so it can greatly help to create your own traditions.
s t a t e P l a n s H e l p T h
For people who lived their whole lives as fully-abled, the onset of a disability — like hearing or vision impairments or difficulty walking — can be challenging to navigate. This December, we will pass another International Day of Persons With Disabilities, and we would be remiss if we didn’t examine the ways in which your estate plan can help you if you have (or later become) diagnosed with a disability.
behalf when you cannot. Often, these documents work tangentially to ensure you receive the care you want.
‘Medical’ Trusts
After age 65, your health insurance falls under Medicare or Medicaid, which can cover a number of disability or age-related types of care. However, your eligible funding may not fully cover the treatment you need. An irrevocable living trust can change that. Trusts can be set up to cover some expenses that government health care programs cannot. There are limits to this of course. For example, an irrevocable trust cannot pay medical bills, but it could help you purchase medical equipment for your home. Furthermore, payments above the IRS’s annual gift tax exclusion could result in more taxes. Be sure to discuss this option and other potential solutions with your attorney. If you have questions about how your estate plan can protect you after a disability diagnosis, please contact our team today.
Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney
A living will and designation of durable powers of attorney ensure that you have the protection you need should you become incapable of providing that for yourself. If you have a disability that is progressively degenerative for your mental capacity, or if you were to slip into a coma, a living will would serve as your voice in making medical decisions for you. It outlines your wishes in these scenarios and can protect your family and you from rash decisions made by doctors and nurses. Likewise, durable powers of attorney provide a support system. These are people who are given the responsibility of managing your financial affairs and making medical decisions on your
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