Surviving the holidays as a caregiver can be very stressful because you are juggling more activities, people, noise, finances, expectations, etc. while trying to provide quality care to your loved one. Your personal resources, like time and energy, are limited and about to be overwhelmed. And, as caregivers, we tend to take on more responsibility than we need to. Here are some tips to make the holidays less stressful.
Elaborate planning will lead to stress overload. Decrease your workload by keeping meals and gatherings as simple as possible, ordering food in advance, or asking guests to bring side dishes, which can reduce stress. Planning ahead is essential but keep things simple.
Choose the events that are most important to you. You do not need to attend every event that you are invited to. Be particular and choose the events you will enjoy with fewer distractions and smaller groups of people.
The holidays are really about interaction with friends and family. Concentrate on the moments of connection with your loved ones. That is what you will remember the most. For example, spend time playing board games with people rather than playing loud music, watching TV, or being on devices.
Control the number of gifts you are giving. Did you know you could skip gift-giving entirely? Other options include shopping online or having someone else wrap the gifts,
Ask your friends and family to take some responsibility, too. They can help set up decorations, go grocery shopping, prepare part of the meal, bring food, set the table, plan an activity, help prepare your Christmas cards, etc. You don’t have to do everything. Going over ground rules with them may help, too.
Reduce the exhausting input from every direction. That input makes it difficult for you and your person with aphasia to enjoy. You can do this by limiting the number of people at gatherings, the noise level, and the number of events.
Plan for the regular family drama by working with your person with aphasia to develop ground rules before the event and plan on how to handle different situations. Practice your responses so you will know how to respond lovingly.
Start new traditions that work better for you and your loved one. This is as easy as driving through neighborhoods with Christmas light displays rather than putting up lights yourself.
Most importantly, take time for yourself. Can you get away for just a little while? Do you have a friend you can ask for advice or vent to? Will a walk help to reduce your stress? Maybe a little meditation first thing in the morning or before bedtime will be beneficial? Just don’t forget your self-care!
