AARP Eye Center
Caregiving - especially caregiving during a pandemic - can be incredibly time- and energy-consuming. Add the holidays and it may feel even more overwhelming. That's why my final tip for you is:
Maybe you don’t normally ask for - or accept - help, but the holidays are a great time to start or to add more help. Even a little bit of help can be a huge relief! Yes, we are living in a pandemic and you are probably taking many safety precautions, such as limiting or eliminating visitors to your loved ones' or your homes. But there are still many ways people can help! The problem is, we usually don't ask, and when others offer, we don't accept, or their offers are vague and we don't feel comfortable asking for specifics. It's time to get past that feeling and help someone else have the joy of giving!
Consider these ways to take some things off your list and free up some time and energy.
There is no shame in asking for help! In my view, we are all here to help, support and serve each other. Most people are happy to do so and I've always thought of it as building a team. No one is meant to do it all by themselves!
One more thought: I was reminded recently that this is not a dress-rehearsal for my life - this IS my life, so I need to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances. Lock arms (even if it's virtually!) and move forward. We will get through this and still experience joy this holiday season...together! There is no need to cancel the holidays, even if things are different this year we can embrace the uniqueness and rise to the occasion!
Happy Holidays!
Take care,
Amy Goyer, AARP Family & Caregiving Expert
Author, Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving
P.S. - below are links to my others Holiday Tips!
#9 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Connect with Other Caregivers
#8 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Keep Up with Self-Care
#7 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Mind Your Holiday Mindset
#6 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Anticipate Holiday Hot Buttons
#5 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Approach Gift-Giving More Efficiently
#4 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Adjust Holiday Meal Plans
#3 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Start NEW Traditions!
#2 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Simplify your Holiday Activities
#1 - Caregiver Holiday Survival Tip: Focus on What is Most Meaningful
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