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Home » Importance of Managing Stress During a Holiday
A holiday can be a stressful time. This is just a reality. It is also a reality that for you as a family caregiver, this stress might be more pressing, and that you are more likely to suffer consequences because of the stress. Suffering from stress, whether it is during your daily life or as a result of the additional pressures and obligations of a holiday, can be difficult and even dangerous for you.
This stress makes you more vulnerable to mental and emotional well-being problems, as well as physical health complications. When you are dealing with stress, you are also less likely to connect with those you care about in meaningful and memorable ways. You may not take the time to participate in the traditions that matter to you, or to appreciate the little moments throughout a holiday that are truly the most important. By the end of the holiday you might find that you didn’t enjoy yourself, you missed all the things that mattered to you, you feel exhausted and sick, and our suffering from depression.
Managing stress is an absolutely critical aspect of being a good caregiver for your parent. When you are dealing with stress it is less likely that you are able to focus effectively, you feel tired and worn down, and your compassion and love can feel dampened. This means that you may not pay as much attention to your parent and their needs, may not show them as much compassion, and may not put as much thought into helping them to enjoy their holiday.
Stress also makes you more vulnerable to physical health issues such as illness and infection. When you are sick, you are not only less able to give your parent the care that they need, but you can also spread such an infection or illness to your parent, which can be extremely dangerous for them.
Finding ways to manage your stress during a holiday is a critical part of making this time precious and meaningful for you and your family, and for helping to ensure that everyone can go alon with the best health possible.
Being a family caregiver for an elderly adult is challenging. This is especially true if you are a member of the sandwich generation also caring for children, or you live at a distance from your senior. You may feel as though you are not able to give your parent the care that they need, or that your efforts have caused a tremendous amount of stress that is diminishing your quality of life and the care that you give them. You may notice this even more during a holiday.
Fortunately, home care can help. Having an in-home care provider with your parent ensures that they are always getting the care that they need, both when you are with them and when you are not. This not only fulfills their personal needs, but also supports a more active, engaged, independent, and meaningful lifestyle as they age in place.