The holidays are over! (Phew!) It's winter time. Hopefully the routine is re-established and there's a bit of calm in the air. Now's a time when you can plan a break for yourself as a caregiver. Plan ahead for, say, March or April. A break that's more than a weekend if possible. Here are some ideas on how to do it, starting now so that you have the pleasure of anticipation, and also enough time to think of all that's needed for true respite.
Things to think about:
* Where do you want to go? A four day trip to see a favorite cousin? A flight to see your favorite niece and nephew? How much time? Will you stay with them or rent an Air BnB? This is partly about budgeting, and partly about how much time. Allow a day before and after to pack/unpack, etc.
* What do you need to 'replace you' for the time you're gone?
For that last one, which is huge:
Make a list of all that you do, the schedule for when you are away, the tasks, the back up plan.
Who in your family can step in for part or all of the time? Who can you hire to take up slack, do chores that normally you do, errands, etc. Who has been offering help and you've yet to tap them? Be specific. "While I'm gone, could you pick up our mail? Here's the mailbox key..."
Enlarge the caregiving circle. When you get back, you might have more people you can call upon to share the load for the usual routines.
Give yourself permission. Plan. Go for it. Enjoy!
