Tina GlennTina Glenn is the President and CEO of Hearthside Home Care Inc. with home care services as FirstLight Home Care Guilford. She has over 40 years in healthcare and C-level executive experience of 28 years. She can be reached at 336-808-1351.
With all the decorating, cooking, and gatherings, Hanukkah, Christmas, and other holidays tend to bring additional stress, but planning and prioritizing can help you enjoy a peaceful season. Here are some useful tips for in-home caregivers to help manage holiday stress:
1. Remind yourself that things don’t always go as planned and be flexible. It’s ok if you can’t make it to every holiday party. If you need to make an appearance, be cautious of the time and leave when you need to. Set boundaries – set an alarm on your watch or cell phone giving yourself a few minutes to say your goodbyes. If you have elder loved ones with you keep in mind their needs and plan ahead.
2. Spending time as a family is the ultimate gift to each other. There is so much joy in the company of family and a room full of laughter and story-telling. If you are hosting a family gathering, ask family members ahead of time to help. The time together and memories made are what’s most important.
3. Travel schedules – If you aren’t able to be with your family during the holiday season, its ok – be creative and set your own schedule. Traveling can be stressful with traffic jams and packed airports. Consider traveling before or after the holidays instead.
4. Money and budgets – If it feels like your wallet isn’t big enough for all of the of gifts you would like to purchase, then consider updating your gift giving traditions this year. Keep it simple by drawing names. You’ll have more money to spend on a nice gift for one person than if you spread your budget amongst all your family members. Alternatively, you can donate to a charitable organization, or directly to a child or family in need.
5. More on donating to those in need – Look outside of yourself – volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen, collect needed items for homeless shelters, or volunteer at a shelter. You’ll quickly gain perspective, better appreciate your blessings, and you will get a gift in return far greater, knowing you have made a difference.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Find a quiet place alone, reflect, and stay focused on what is important. If you don’t take care of yourself as a caregiver, you will find it difficult to properly care for your loved ones.
Feel good about asking for help if you need it. You owe it to yourself as a caregiver, and those you care for will benefit from a less-stressed ‘you’.
We enhance the lives of veterans and their families – call us today for more information:
Greensboro and Piedmont Triad of NC
336-808-1351 • guilford.firstlighthomecare.com
Jacksonville & the Crystal Coast of NC
910-939-0695 • jacksonville.firstlighthomecare.com