Becoming the caregiver for our loved ones can lead to many hours of self-reflection. Remembering the self-made cards we made for our mom on Mother’s Day. Rembember the hand imprints and the tissue flowers. As caregivers, sharing those memories with Mom may bring back pleasant memories. It is now our time to nurture, protect and be responsible for our parents. This requires the patience that Mom showed us. It is also necessary for us to take time for ourselves. Caregiving can be one of the most challenging and difficult jobs because most caregivers do not choose this job. We are chosen to protect and assist our loved ones. Caregiving is a time for you — the caregiver — to ask for support and assistance. It is very similar to the times when we asked Mom to help us tie our shoes, help us with a school project (which oftentimes she completed) or to share an important experience with us. Join New Beginnings for a Mother’s Day special which includes 2 coaching sessions for the price of one. Call 310 673 3349 or email [email protected] or more information. Remember caregivers need care too.
Caregiver Stress
How do you know if you are stressed as a caregiver? Are you feeling overly tired? Have you been extremely talkative or exceptionally quiet? Do you notice other caregivers who seem withdrawn? Did the caregiver in your life, or you overeat during the past holiday? How many pieces of pie did you eat? Frustration, anxiety, guilt and anger can all be signs of undue stress for the caregiver. Often caregivers don’t ask for help because they don’t want to be a burden, don’t know how to ask for help, can sometimes be in a state of denial or just think it’s their duty and this is all a part of their responsibility.
Caregivers need our support. Offer your support and assistance as a friend or family member. If you think expert opinions are warranted refer your friend or loved one to a life coach or another support group to share their thoughts and feelings. Don’t allow duty and embarrassment to rob the caregiver of much needed support.
I want to know how you are coping as a caregiver and all about your support system.
Remember, Caregivers Need Care Too.
Caregiver Magic for the Holidays
What is your lucky number for the holidays? Let’s start the countdown. There is Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Years? Is that enough holiday magic for you? Under most circumstances, most people would start feeling a little stressed and burnout. If you are a caregiver, let’s double or even triple the confusion that may be a part of all these activities and festivities. How do you handle it?
First, let’s practice being as calm as possible. Does that mean closing your eyes and counting to 10 or to some higher number if necessary? We can practice caring about people instead of some of the “crazy things” our relatives are doing. Does it really matter if your recipe is not a carbon copy of your grandmothers?
Is it possible for your to stop seeking approval? Have you learned it can be more than a challenge attempting to please everyone?
No one is perfect. I will repeat, “No one is Perfect”.
Trust yourself as a caregiver and as a person. You are bringing and maintaining the magic in this holiday season. Be inspired. Smile. You will feel better. Relax. Take some pictures. You will have a few months before the next big holiday.
Wishing you and your family the best.
Remember caregivers need care too.
Let me know some of your caregiving tips.
Caregivers Survival Guide For the Holidays
As you prepare for the holidays, are you thinking about what’s for dinner; whose on the invitation list, what recipe to use for that traditional meal, how your loved one will handle the upcoming holidays with all the busyness that is a part of celebrating? New Beginnings on Saturday November 12, for a Lunch and Learn new ways to overcome holiday stress confusion balance comfort and well – being. The holidays are about family and relationships.During this lunch and learn you will enjoy a copy of my most recent book The ABC’s for Caregivers and receive an inspirational CD for caregivers.
Visit www.newbeginningstoday.eventbrite.com. Sign up for a new lease on the holidays. Caregivers really do need care too. Let me hear from you.
Email me [email protected] or call me at 310 673 3349.