Multi-Tasking

Just in time for the holidays, there are so many things to do. Many of you are caring for loved ones, working outside the home, family and friends are visiting for special occasions. How do you handle it all? Are you doing laundry while you are baking? How many things are on auto pilot? Do you feel you are accomplishing more while you are doing several things at one time? Or have you decided to just take a break and do one thing at a time or just take a break to think about what is next on your agenda? Recent studies have shown multitasking is not as promising as once thought? During this holiday season, let’s start to focus on accomplishing one task at a time. Let’s see how that makes us feel. If we are feeling proud, let’s continue to focus on one area of concentration. The other tasks will get done in their own time. We are less stressed and present. Enjoy your holidays.

What Kind of Friend Are You

Friends are like jewels. Some are precious. Others are semi-precious. A few can be considered rare. Occasionally we continue to hang onto those who are like costume jewelry – an added accessory. The precious friends are there when we need them. They answer our calls. The semi-precious will assist us if it is convenient for them. The rare friends are there no matter what. Sometimes they show up before we are aware we need their support and assistance. The friends who are like costume jewelry just want to be around for the photographs. As caregivers, all of our friends play a role in our lives. It is a relief to know that the stresses and concerns of caregiving are shared by those who have our interest at heart. What kind of friend are you? Diamond, ruby or emerald?

Acts of Kindness for Caregivers

As we get closer to the rush and excitement that comes with the holidays, have you thought of performing acts of kindness that do not require shopping or baking? One of the most memorable acts is an unexpected visit to a caregiver or a caring family. The time spent with this family or person will be more treasured than the time spent in the malls shopping for a gift. I remember visits with seniors, loved ones and friends. When I was very young, the visits seemed boring. I sat there listening to the adults talk about their experiences. As I got older, I remember visiting some of those same adults because I wanted to or had it become a part of the family tradition? They shared some of those same stories from my childhood. Today, most of those seniors have made their transitions. I still think about the visits. It is a calming experience. Will you share your time this holiday season with a caregiver or a senior who will be overjoyed with your visit with or without tidings.

Caregiving During the Holidays

This is the season of holidays. Thanksgiving has just passed and we are heading into Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Years. During these special holidays, the life of the caregiver can become filled with more stress, overwhelm and even depression. There are often more responsibilities including extra visitors, more cooking, more shopping. How do you manage the additional phone calls, added appointments, social gatherings? How does your loved one handle the changes in the day-to-day routine? Are you able to spend quiet time together? Is the excess affecting the health and well-being of your loved one? Have you scheduled the celebrations and activities around the care of your loved one? Are you willing to allow friends and family members to relieve you for brief periods of time? Are you doing what is necessary to lighten your load as the caregiver while you enjoy the holidays? Share your thoughts with me.