The holidays are a time of joy when the whole family comes together. However, they can also be a source of stress, with so much to organize—especially if you’re playing host. When you’re spending the holidays with your aging parents, it can be stressful for both them and you.
They might be feeling lonely over the holidays, and you might be seeing more of them than usual, and perhaps observing distressing things that you haven’t seen before. Things might also be stressful because your parents are or feel less capable of joining in, or things might simply feel overwhelming for them. Cut back on the holiday stress and survive the holidays with grace by following five tips to survive the holidays.
How to Manage Stress This Holiday Season
Have a holiday plan
Planning is often key if you want to minimize stress in any situation. If you have a good plan for how the holidays will take place, from who is going to be where and when to what time the food will be ready, it will feel a lot easier to manage. You might consider things like where you will be spending the holidays, who will be picking people up if they need a ride, and who will be responsible for which duties.
Travel comfortably
The holidays can be stressful enough without traveling, so keep these holiday stress tips. When you need to make a journey to get to where you’re spending the holidays, or you need to pick someone up, you might not be able to avoid it.
If you have to travel, you can make it more comfortable and plan well so that it’s not too stressful. Think about what might make you and your parents more comfortable on your journey, whether it’s snacks in the car or plenty of breaks. Be sure to pack extra supplies and have any necessary medications ready on hand.
Take some time to relax
Everyone needs a break sometimes, even when spending time with the people they love. During the holidays, make sure you take some time to relax and perhaps pamper yourself a little. In fact, everyone in your family should be allowed to find their own space if they want to. Don’t try to force people into participating in everything when they might prefer to go and sit on their own for a while or do something quiet.
Use the time to reminisce
The holidays are a great time to share memories with your parents and talk about the holidays of the past. It helps you to bond with each other and gives your parents the chance to reminisce about their younger years. It’s fun for you to remember your childhood, too.
Empower your parents
Feeling independent is increasingly important as you get older. Use these stress-free holiday tips to empower your parents to live independently as much as you can. If they don’t normally live with you but are staying for the holidays, this might mean making some adjustments in your home to allow for more independent living.
Discover a Stress-Free Environment at Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers
Spending the holidays with your aging parents don’t have to be stressful. If you manage it well, you can all enjoy your time together.
When you are looking to help support your aging parents all year long, e provide various types of senior services and elderly care programs to help you all year long! AT Nevada Adult Day Healthcare Centers, our staff will make your loved one feel like they are part of the family. Visit us to see our programs in action today!
