We are now waking up to the fact that self care is important.
But…
That can be very difficult during the silly season that is Xmas. Particularly, if you have to look after someone else.
Caring for someone with complex needs never stops.
And
There is extra pressure on the carer to ensure their loved ones enjoy the Xmas period.
For example, if you are the only person who is licensed to drive the accessible vehicle, then you may have to go without alcohol and drive.
Likewise, the pressure just doesn’t come from those people that you care for, it comes from everyone close to you.
If you have other children or close family, you might feel you need to do more to make their Xmas ‘special’.
For example, it is easy to feel that you spend too much time with one child to the expense of others.
It can feel like you are ignoring partner at times.
So…
You can feel like you have to make up for that.
It is all pressure, pressure and more pressure.
And lets face it – Xmas is pretty stressful anyway.
So what can you do?
1. Talk About A Care Plan
Making a care plan can seem like a chore and not a helpful tool.
However…
The point about making a plan is to start a conversation.
Having a conversation about how you are going to manage the Xmas period.
For example, you might be worried about ensuring the person that you are caring for attends every family event.
But they may not want to do that, and if they do, talking the only way to reach a comprise.
Talk about what the priorities are and how you can both give time back to each other.
Talk about the actual day and make a timetable. You might have a lot of things to do on the day and having a timetable is good way for you both to be less stressed.
Anything that you can put in place to give both of you certainty is a good thing.
2. Don’t Say No To Carers
It can be tempting to say, “Cancel the carers for Xmas day.”
You can feel a responsibility to spend as much time with your loved one as possible.
However, if you have an established routine, why break it?
All that is going to happen is you’re going to be under extra pressure to fill in the gap that you’ve created.
Don’t cancel the carers
3. Treat Yourself
If you are caring for either a family or close friend, you cab often make many unseen sacrifices.
Whether they are child, young or old person, the sacrifices might be different but they will still be there.
Xmas should be a time to treat yourself.
AND YOU SHOULD TREAT YOURSELF
Give time back to yourself.
Think about the things that you have been putting off and do at least 1 of them.
1, 2 and 3 of Care at Xmas
Caring at Xmas can be tough but by working together with the your family, friends and the people that you care for – you can enjoy yourself too.
