The holidays are definitely a time of joy for most of us. Families gather together to enjoy one another. Memories are both shared and made. However, the jubilance that we often feel at the opportunity to gather together also causes stress, significant stress, for many. In fact, Healthline put out a study in 2015 that found sixty-two percent of baby boomers were stressed during this time of year. The sources of stress ranged from finances to scheduling to eating too much. Clearly, this is not the most wonderful time of year for a lot of us. When you add in the demands of caring for an elderly loved one during this season, the stress level can skyrocket. So, what can you do to ease the tension? Caregivers and seniors alike can benefit from taking a few simple steps to keep themselves calm and, hopefully, alleviate some of the holiday cheerlessness that may occur.
Set a Budget
Let’s start with financial stress. Researchers at the National Retail Federation predict that Americans will spend close to $1 trillion on gifts and seasonal accouterments this holiday season. With financial concerns being such a huge stressor for many, what can you do to prevent the pain? Be smart. Be realistic. You do not have to give in to all the holiday trappings. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it. If you are managing the affairs of a loved one, be sure to check their mail and outgoing expenses. This is a time of year when scammers are out in full effect and, unfortunately, they prey upon vulnerable seniors.
Be Mindful of Your Schedule
Doesn’t it feel like almost every day between Thanksgiving and the New Year is full to the brim with activities, parties, gatherings, and other holiday obligations? One thing you can do to prevent over-scheduling stress is to simply say no. You do not have to participate in every event. You do not have to be present for every party you are invited to. Know your limits and respect your need to recharge and regroup. Save your energy for the people and times that matter most to you.
Watch What You Eat
Food. All the food. Buffets and treats pop up everywhere this time of year. Many people have extreme stress related to how much and what they will eat during this time. Do you fall into this category? If so, you have options. First and foremost, be mindful. You will want to remember that you will have eating opportunities for weeks to come. Do you really want to indulge right now? Second, eat before you go. Do not show up to an event ravishing with hunger because this will only cause you to overeat. When you have the chance to sip a cocktail, be smart about your choices. Those liquid calories can really add up. Last, of all, remember that you do not have to eat or drink anything you do not want to. You may have relatives or friends pushing that last cookie or piece of cake, but you can say no. It’s okay!
Enlist Help with Senior Living Care in Melbourne, FL
Champion Home Health Care knows that the holidays can be stressful for a variety of reasons. If you have a need for professional home health care in Melbourne, FL, please do not hesitate to ask. We may not be able to help you decide what to choose from the buffet table, but we can help you when it comes to decisions about senior home health care. We have a staff of trained caregivers and nurses, and we offer senior living services like skilled nursing services, veteran care, and medication management. You have enough on your plate this holiday season, let us help!
