Self-Care During the Holidays

The holidays can be a strange and difficult time for many of us, but it may be even more so for family caregivers. With all the added pressure of gift shopping, party planning, and family gatherings, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself.

As you prepare yourself for the season, remember to be gentle with yourself and prioritize self-care. Here are some tips on how to celebrate yourself during this special time of year.

Take time for you

It's so important to take time for yourself - even if it's just 10 minutes a day. Whether that is by dancing in your living room for no reason at all or taking deeper breaths when you feel overwhelmed, try to find moments in your day when you can do something just for you. When we focus on taking care of ourselves first, we are better equipped to handle stress and show up as our best selves.

Taking care of yourself is so much more than getting enough sleep and eating healthy. It's about really listening to your body and paying attention to how you are feeling. Are you feeling tired, cranky, or just plain off? Are there any underlying physical symptoms such as a headache or upset stomach? Learning to listen to your body can be an invaluable tool for understanding what you need and discovering how best to take care of yourself. It may mean planning ahead to get adequate rest, curtailing a particularly busy schedule, or carving out time for activities that help reduce stress and bolster energy levels such as yoga or meditation.

Listening to and responding appropriately to the signals your body sends can help keep you in balance and set the stage for better overall wellbeing. Taking the time to prioritize yourself is genuinely important, so make it a part of your daily routine!

Connect with friends and family

Gatherings and get-togethers give us an opportunity to connect with friends and family we haven't seen in a while.

These conversations don't have to be deep or profound - sometimes exchanging warm words is enough. Reconnecting with people who understand what it’s like being a caregiver can help remind you that you are not alone in your journey. Plus, it is always fun catching up with old friends!

However, if your holiday traditions feel too triggering this year - that is okay. Many of us are struggling to connect with our friends and family in meaningful ways during such a difficult time, and it may be helpful to find an alternate way to stay connected. Finding new opportunities to bond can involve small things like virtual game nights, send recipes or stories in the mail, or starting a pen-pal club with your inner circle of loved ones.

Reevaluate your "traditional" holidays

It is important to remember that connection comes in different forms and doesn't necessarily have to mimic the traditional holidays we have known. Connecting can come from finding unique ways to enjoy each other's company virtually. Try writing down 3 things you're grateful for as a family - this could be done over video chat or even by email – then have everyone share their list.

Offer up words of encouragement and positivity even when times are hard. Together let's create new bonding experiences that help keep our relationships alive despite the physical distance between us this holiday season!

Caregiver holiday stress relief

The holiday season can be a wonderfully joyous time of the year, but for family caregivers, it is particularly demanding and stressful. Taking care of others requires an immense amount of energy and effort, so it is essential family caregivers take intentional steps to recharge and relax, especially around the holidays when needs can increase.

It is understandable to want to prioritize caregiving tasks first - after all, your loved one needs you. But if you don't recharge yourself regularly, you could quickly become overwhelmed. So, make sure to create opportunities throughout the day (or week!) to practice self-care, whether it's taking a few minutes away from your duties to buy yourself some flowers or watching your favorite show during lunchtime. Whatever helps you recharge will help you be more present for your loved one in the long run.

Additionally, in moments when demands get too high or demands are frequently changing, remember it is okay to reevaluate expectations for yourself and adjust accordingly. Care-taking can be incredibly rewarding, but it is just as important for family caregivers to look out for their own well-being this holiday season too. Make sure you are celebrating you!