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The Caregiver Cup Podcast
Empowering caregivers with knowledge, resources and tools so they can be the best they can be. This podcast focuses on ways for the caregiver to reduce stress, burnout, can embrace moments of joy in their new normal. Listen weekly to Cathy's personal experiences, coaching, tips, inspiration, and interviews.
The Caregiver Cup Podcast
Festive Self-Care for Caregivers: 12 Tips to Thrive This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for caregivers, it can also bring added stress, exhaustion, and feelings of isolation. In this heartwarming episode, we unveil "Festive Self-Care for Caregivers: 12 Tips to Thrive This Holiday Season." Designed specifically for those who tirelessly support their loved ones, this episode offers practical, festive, and easy-to-implement self-care strategies to help you navigate the holidays with grace and joy.
Join us as we count down 12 essential self-care tips inspired by the beloved "12 Days of Christmas," each tailored to uplift your spirit and replenish your energy. From creating peaceful moments by the Christmas tree to indulging in well-deserved treats, our tips are crafted to fit seamlessly into your busy caregiving routine. Discover how simple practices like mindful breathing, connecting with loved ones in meaningful ways, and gifting yourself special moments of relaxation can transform your holiday experience, making it not only manageable but truly enjoyable.
Whether you’re seeking ways to reduce stress, find moments of peace, or simply add a touch of holiday magic to your daily life, this episode is your ultimate guide to thriving as a caregiver this season. Tune in and give yourself the gift of self-care—because you deserve to feel the warmth and joy of the holidays just as much as those you care for. Don’t miss out on these invaluable tips that will help you embrace the festive spirit while maintaining your well-being.
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Well, welcome, my friend, to another episode of the Caregiver Cup podcast. If you can hear my snow globe playing in the background for the episode, you can tell that this is going to have a little bit of a Christmas theme to it. But I'm going to start out by saying caregivers, it's the most wonderful time of the year, or at least that's what the song says, right? But for us it can feel more like the most exhausting time of the year. Between caregiving responsibilities, holiday chaos and everything in between, it's easy to forget about the most important person on your list, and that's you. So today I'm bringing you something extra special the 12 Tips of Caregiving. A festive and joyful guide to putting yourself at the top of your holiday priority list. These tips are all about helping you navigate the holidays with a little more ease, a little more joy and a whole lot of well-deserved self-care. The music, to be honest with you, the music is driving me nuts. I'm going to pull it to the side here once there. It's going to be further in the background. But imagine this quiet moments by the Christmas tree, laughter with your loved one, sneaking in a power nap and even treating yourself to fuzzy slippers and holiday movie marathons Sound good. Well, stick with me today because I'm sharing 12 simple yet powerful ways to take care of you this season, even when things feel chaotic and overwhelming. So, my friend, grab a warm drink, snuggle in your coziest blanket and let's dive into personal holiday self-care and through in your personal holiday self-care countdown.
Speaker 1:Caregivers, let's unwrap the first tip together. Okay, the first tip is sip the season. That tip means hydrate with a festive twist. Water is the ultimate feel for your body, but who says it has to be boring? Add a splash of holiday cheer by infusing your water with a slice of orange or slices of oranges, cranberries or a sprig of fresh mint, cranberries or a sprig of fresh mint. Every sip will not only hydrate you but also bring a touch of seasonal joy. Carry your festive water bottle as a reminder to stay refreshed and energized throughout your day. Think of it as giving your body a little holiday gift every time you drink. Gift even every time you drink, even when you kind of feel like you can't Just take a sip. Okay.
Speaker 1:Tip number two is breathe in the joy. Have you practiced box breathing? We're going to call it holiday box breathing. You think of it like a box with four sides on it. So, amidst the holiday chaos, give yourself the gift of calm. Imagine drawing a holiday box in your mind. You're going to inhale for four counts as you visualize drawing one side of the box. Hold your breath for four counts as you draw the second side. Exhale for four counts as you draw the second side. Exhale for four counts to complete the third side and then hold again to finish the box. Repeat this festive visualization a few times and find the tension just melt away. It's like unwrapping a little present of peace for yourself anytime you need it.
Speaker 1:Okay, tip number three is winter wonderland walks. Embrace the outdoors with a festive stroll. Now, I don't know the climate that you're in, so if you're in a warm climate, go on a stroll at sunset and everybody's lights are on. So if it's cold outside, you might have to bundle up. Step outside and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the season.
Speaker 1:Whether it's a brisk walk through a snow-covered park, a leisurely stroll to admire holiday lights in your neighborhood or simply enjoying the crisp winter air, taking the time to walk can rejuvenate your spirit. And consider these festive twists to make your walk even more enjoyable. I'm seeing this even in my morning walks. I am so grateful for the people that leave their lights on overnight because in the morning I can see it, and even on this past Saturday I walked and I saw the moon set and the sun come up in the same time frame that I walked. But here's some other ideas. Frame that I walked, but here's some other ideas A holiday light tour.
Speaker 1:Map out a route that includes neighborhoods or areas renowned for dazzling holiday decorations and let the twinkling lights and festive display lift your mood and provide a visual treat. Or the nature of the walk. You could go ahead and listen to the crunch of your snow boots or the snow under your boots, or the rustle of evergreen trees or mindful moments. Use a walk as an opportunity for mindfulness and focus on the sounds and sights and smells of the season. Or find a buddy and walk with you you. Or, better yet, if you want to and you want something different, just put on some holiday music in your ear and listen to holiday music as you walk. Taking these winter wonderful walks not only promote physical health but also offer a mental escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It's a simple yet powerful way to recharge and find moments of peace and beauty in the season.
Speaker 1:Okay, tip number four dreaming of a silent night. The tip is rest well and prioritize your sleep. When the holidays are chaotic, a good night's sleep can feel like a luxury, but it's one you deserve, my friend. Transform your bedtime routine into a peaceful retreat with a holiday-inspired twist. So here's some suggestions. A silent night ritual Set the mood by dimming the lights, lighting a candle with a holiday scent like cinnamon, pine or vanilla, playing soft instrumental holiday music to ease into your relaxation.
Speaker 1:Another tip would be tidy up for rest Before bed. Clear away the holiday clutter. A calm, tidy space can help settle your mind. Another tip is a festive comfort. Swap out your bedding for cozy, seasonal sheets or add your favorite holiday. Throw a blanket to your bed. Feelings of snug and festive can help you drift off with a smile. Another one could be as a gratitude countdown, as you settle in bed, reflect on three moments from your day that brought you joy and peace, big or small, and it's a mental practice that can help you calm your mind and set the tone for rest.
Speaker 1:Or you stay on Santa's schedule. Keep a consistent bedtime routine, even when the holidays tempt you to stay up late. Think of it as keeping yourself on the nice list of good habits. And you know, my body clock says nine o'clock. It's like I start yawning at nine o'clock. So prioritizing your sleep can help you wake up feeling recharged and a renewed sense of rest during this holiday season. Remember, every Santa needs to have rest before the big day. Okay, tip number five is a Santa's siesta.
Speaker 1:Since we're still talking sleep recharge with a festive power nap. Oh, my gosh, do you love naps and you know. Think about it as a power nap, 15 minutes or so, 20 minutes or so. Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, a short nap can be your secret weapon for maintaining energy and clarity. Transform your power nap into a joyful and restorative experience with the holiday-inspired touches, especially if you know that you have an activity in the evening or you had one the night before and you're just not feeling rested.
Speaker 1:Now here's some ideas Cozy holiday nests. Create a comfortable napping space with a festive blanket, like I said, or a holiday pillow, and it just makes you feel comfortable. Or put on some holiday tunes in your bedroom and play them softly and just lay there and let your body just soothe in the atmosphere and just fall asleep. Set your alarm for 15-20 minutes. Maybe it's aromatherapy magic, use a diffuser of like peppermint, eucalyptus or pine, or you have lotion and you put it on. If you can handle scents, that's a great way. And I put on here ELF approved timing.
Speaker 1:Aim for 20 minutes to nap, to recharge, without disrupting your nighttime sleep, because if you go longer than that then you're going to notice that it's going to disrupt your nighttime sleep. And set that gentle alarm, but maybe put a holiday theme on it or jingle bells on it or some sort of holiday sound that wakes you back up. So these mindful moments can help you. And then, when you get up, maybe you do a Santa stretch, incorporate a brief stretching routine, either before or after your nap, to release any of that buildupup tension and enhance the quality of your nap, and by doing this you're going to be more effective. Embrace the Santa siesta. You give yourself the gift of rejuvenation, ensuring you stay energized and positive throughout the holiday season. Remember, every Santa takes a moment to rest before his big night. I had so much fun writing these. It's just fun, okay, number six.
Speaker 1:Tip number six is tranquil tidings. You want to embrace the silence with quiet festive time During the holidays, especially as a caregiver, carving out moments of silence can provide much needed peace and rejuvenation. Tranquil tidings encourages you to create serene, holiday themed quiet time that helps you decompress and find balance amidst the chaos and the festivities. So here's some things Silent night by the tree. Find a cozy spot by the tree where you can sit quietly and enjoy the twinkling lights. Use this time to meditate, reflect or simply soak in the beauty of the decorations. Let the gentle flow of the tree bring a sense of calm and wonder. We only have it up for a short period of time and it's so beautiful when you turn off the lights and you just look at the tea. Another one would be a festive sip. Enjoy your favorite warm beverage in silent, whether it's a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a spice cider or an herbal tea. Take the time to savor each sip mindfully. Focus on the flavors, the warmth of your hands and the comfort it brings. And maybe you're doing that by the tree.
Speaker 1:Holiday journaling is another one. Spend a few minutes writing in your journal, by candlelight or by the tree. Reflect on your thoughts, express gratitude for the season, jot down cherished holiday memories. This quiet activity can help clear your mind and center your emotions. Another one is candlelight calm Light, a scented candle. There's so much studies as far as what a candle does and I used to self-sense way back in the day, but calming scents like vanilla and cinnamon or scents that bring you memories can kind of get your mind at ease and so allow the soft liquor and the soothing aroma of a candle or a warmer or something that smells, and it creates that peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind and relax.
Speaker 1:Another one is mindful moments. Incorporate mindfulness practice into your quiet time Breaths, observe the sounds of the season or engage in a gentle stretch. This intention helps you focus and can help reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being. Another thought in this tranquil tidings is a digital detox. Now, especially as caregivers, we're sometimes feeling isolated and sometimes seeing family gatherings and all the pictures and all of the smiles makes us feel down. So turn off the electronic devices and disconnect from your screen during your quiet time. Embrace the silence without distractions and allow yourself to fully immerse in the present moment. Another one is harmony holiday harmony. Listen to soft, instrumental holiday music or nature sounds without engaging in other activities. Let the gentle melodies of the sounds of winter, the landscapes, lull you into the state of tranquility or cozy comforts Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket and snuggle up with a soft pillow, creating a physically comfortable space which enhances your mental relaxation that you're seeking during this time. There are so many benefits to this tranquility, like stress reduction and clarity, and it's helping you. But by dedicating time to tranquil tidings, you gift yourself the serenity that you need to navigate the holiday season with grace and joy, and by embracing these quiet moments, not only it nurtures your well-being, but it also empowers you to care for your loved one and care for others more effectively.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's go on to tip number seven festive feast with balance. Oh my gosh, there's so many, so much good food during the holiday season, but you want to think about nourishing your body with balance and in holiday inspired meals. The holiday season is a time to indulge with abundance of cookies and candies and delicious tempting treats that we all love. While it's important to enjoy these festive treats and flavors, maintaining balanced meals ensure you stay energized and healthy to handle your caregiving responsibilities. So almost think about that. I almost envision myself half and half. So festive feasts and balance offer strategies here that I want to give you.
Speaker 1:Mindfulness indulgence. I think about here is allow yourself to enjoy the treats without guilt, but practice portion control by savoring small servings of those favorite treats. This way, you can indulge in your flavors you love while keeping your overall diet balanced, because it makes you feel sluggish days and days after, and so, even like thinking about a balanced breakfast, you can start your day with nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and incorporate proteins and whole grains and fruits to maintain energy levels. For a festive twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of berries to your oatmeal or your yogurt, knowing that the rest of the day you might be just festively eating everything. Another one that I love is a colorful plate. Aim to fill half of your plate with colorful vegetables and fruit, and you even can look at that when you're eating off of the festive menu. The vibrant hues not only make your meals more appealing, but also ensures you're getting a variety of essential nutrients.
Speaker 1:Think roasted Brussels sprouts or cranberry glazed carrots or fresh spinach and pomegranate salad. And then also think about those lean proteins. And then also think about those lean proteins. Incorporate lean proteins such as turkey and chicken and fish and plant-based alternatives, delicious and nutritious this time of the year. And then whole grains are going to help you. I can never say the word Is it quinoa? I can never say it. It's Q-U-I-N-O-A, I never can say it. Brown rice or whole wheat bread over refined options. They provide sustained energy and essential fiber that you need, and so that might be something. Now. Healthy fats, too, include sources of healthy fats like avocados and nuts, and seeds and olives. These fats support your brain health and keep you satiated. A walnut and cranberry salad or an avocado spread on whole grain toast can add both flavor and nutrition to your meals.
Speaker 1:And we talked about the hydration, but I wanted to include it here as well. In our festive feasts Feasts, not feats feast and by going ahead and staying hydrated, maybe before you go over to or you have the festive buffet table, you say, okay, I'm going to drink a full glass of water before I go in because I know I'm going to go ahead and have a little holiday cheer. But also thinking about oranges or cucumbers or soups in your diet can also get that hydration that you need. Another one to think about is smoothies, and make them festive Smoothies like spinach or banana with almond milk and a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon. This can give you a quick, nutritious option for busy days. To like a festive, like my brother would have a festive place and they would have all sorts of food and, knowing me, I'll go to the salt and the sweet table portions versus the vegetables, and so I would go ahead and make myself a shake on the way over and that fills me up a little bit so I don't go over there and overindulge. But that's just a tip and which gets me to planning ahead.
Speaker 1:Prepare balanced meals in advance and avoid last minute unhealthy choices. Batch cooking, holiday friendly dishes that include plenty of vegetables and proteins and whole grains can save time and ensure that you're eating healthy this season. And then, to combat all of this, you're going to want to put on your pair of sneakers or Pair your balanced eating with physical activity like a short walk or a stretching to help maintain the energy, because once you fill your tummy you just feel sluggish, especially if there's lots of cookies and candy and nachos and all that kind of stuff. And then, just watching what you can take in and combat that, you want to think about how much sugary beverages am I eating? Or excessive alcohol intake. You might want to every other time. Take a glass of water instead and then go back to it if you can. So, if you're aware of it and embrace festive feasts with balance, you can enjoy the rich flavors of the holiday season while ensuring your body receives the nutrients to thrive. Because it's not like you can take a day off after you've had a festive feast so you have to be on again the next day.
Speaker 1:So what can you do to go ahead and ensure that you're at the top of your game? Okay, tip number eight a sprinkle of togetherness. Connect with loved ones in bite-sized moments, because the holidays can magnify the feelings of isolation many of us, as caregivers, experience. You miss your family and friends, but often feel too exhausted or overwhelmed to host or meet up. This season, the focus on small, meaningful moments of connection that bring joy without adding you that added stress. So here are some other things to think about. Knowing your caregiver situation you're in, you could do verbal cheer, schedule a short video with your loved one and keep it simple Grab your warm beverage, sit by the Christmas tree or catch up for 15 minutes while you're doing that. So you could go ahead and do one of those. If a short video is easier, then you can just send it out to multiple people. If you're just missing a party, you could just say, hey, could we go ahead and FaceTime in or video into that party so that we can be part of it and enjoy a brief little lift up of your spirit.
Speaker 1:Another thing to do is Christmas or holiday cards. Write a heartfelt note or send a holiday card to a family or friend. You could even go ahead and give them your text if they don't have it. Or you could go ahead and talk about we have to get together after the holidays. But what you can do in the holiday card which I did this year is share a favorite memory or something you're grateful for about them. Add a little bit of thing Do you remember when we did this or whatever? This small act of reaching out can remind both of you the bond that you have.
Speaker 1:Another one is memory sharing. Ask your loved one to text you their favorite holiday memory or, if you're sitting with your loved one, respond with your own memory. This simple exchange can reignite warmth and connection without requiring much time and energy. Now you could do it with your family. That's far away. You could say, okay, let's play this little game together. Tell us your favorite holiday memory and then, once I get yours, I'll send you mine. Or you could sit with your loved one. You could also, if you know you can't get together, you could drop off surprises. If someone lives nearby, drop off a small holiday treat or a handwritten note. Let them know you're thinking of them, even if you can't visit. This act of kindness or the act of giving can boost your mood too.
Speaker 1:We do something around here called jingled. You got jingled and you could go out and decorate somebody's front yard with a few funny things and you could jingle them. And then there's a note saying now you have to jingle somebody else to pay it forward. And it doesn't have to be a lot, it could be just putting a fun little thing on the front of their door or a little sign out in front of their house. Or you could grab all your leftover Christmas stuff and just go wild. But a simple call is great. You could go ahead and connect where you can hear people's voices.
Speaker 1:If you have a caregiver gathering spot, if someone offers to visit, consider inviting them for a short and casual meet. If your loved one can't handle a lot, I'd love to see you, but I can only do a 30-minute chat, or I can only come over for 30 minutes, so you want to think about that and doing what's best for you. Now, for Dennis, during the holidays right now we have to be careful with his immune system and so I'm going to miss some of those. But I'm going to have my sister over on Christmas day and we're going to have a small intimate gathering together. Dennis probably won't be up for it, but I will be doing some of these with my family and friends, by going ahead and texting them or videoing them, or singing a goofy song with a red nose, and I'll sing Rudolph the Red Nose. So you can just do those things by embracing sprinkles of togetherness versus this big, big ordeal. You can still reconnect with those you miss in ways that are manageable and meaningful. Remember, connection doesn't have to be this grand event to be impactful. It's the small, heartfelt moments that truly, truly matter.
Speaker 1:Okay, tip number nine is relive the magic. Reflect on memorable Christmas pasts. The holidays are perfect to look back on with cherished memories that warm your heart and remind you of the magic of the season. So relive the magic encourages you to pause and focus on those special moments, whether they were childhood moments or the first holiday with your loved one or a family treasured tradition, that will help. So my first one is memory lane moments. Sit in a cozy spot, quiet, perhaps by the Christmas tree or with your cup of cocoa, and let your mind wander back to your favorite holiday memories. Picture the sights, the sounds, the smells of the season. It's already bringing me smiles. Let yourself feel the joy and the warmth that brought you and then share the magic moments is another one. Call or text your family member or friend and share your favorite memory, reliving those moments. Maybe they're with them that you're reliving their moments Now.
Speaker 1:You could go eat as far as starting a holiday memory jar or a journal and write down your cherished memories and store those, and then you could go ahead and read those at the end of the season all together. Or you could do story time with your loved one. If your loved one wants to ask them about their favorite memories, you're going to learn, especially if you have an elderly parent or a grandparent or a family or a friend, you might find out. Hey, tell me a memory that you've not ever told me about a holiday that you cherish, and it'll get them thinking and it'll boost your spirits, but it'll also boost theirs. You could also grab out your scrapbooks. You could grab pictures of the and you could watch those. But you could flip to the photo albums and create a simple digital slideshow for the past holidays then and looking at those, or you could just sit down those, or you could just sit down. What I've done with my holidays is I've stored all of the photos of the holidays in a few albums with my kids, versus having them sporadically all over, and I put those always in my Christmas decorations and so every Christmas then, once the decorations are done, I usually page through those and it just brings me giggles and laughs and all different things.
Speaker 1:Another one is reflect on your favorite traditions that you and your loved one did over the years Maybe it was baking cookies or singing Christmas carols or watching their favorite movies and think about the ways to bring a piece of those traditions into your current season, even if they're small. Maybe you can't bake cookies right now and your loved one can't have them because they're diabetic or something. Well, maybe you just go to the store and buy just a few cookies, and I know in one of our stores they have like a small little container of frosting and you buy one jar of sprinkles and all you have is six cookies. But you're going to go ahead and decorate those with your loved one. Maybe that's what you have to do.
Speaker 1:Another thing is mindful reflection. Use this time to remind yourself of your resilience and your love that you carried throughout the holiday season. Let the comfort of these memories inspire hope and joy for the present, because you've done it. You've done it. So by embracing the, relive the magic, you grant yourself the gift of joyful reflection, the helping balance of you all through those demands and hopefully lifts your spirit, warms your heart and keeps you going. Okay, we're on to the last three now.
Speaker 1:The tip number 10 is joy to the world. Joy to the world. Infuse yourself, infuse your holidays with joy and laughter. Embracing joy and laughter during the holiday season is essential for maintaining emotional well-being, and especially caregivers, who often feel overwhelmed. Joy to the world encourages you to engage in holidays that bring happiness, lightheartedness and a sense of community into your days. So it might be watching a funny holiday movie. Choose a comedy or a lighthearted holiday film that makes you laugh, like Elf or Home Alone or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, whatever it would be. Remember. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins and it helps reduce stress and improves your well-being. It may be even in a memory that you had, and like one of your kids' reactions. Or we have a story with our son that had the flu at Christmas time and it was not a pretty sight, but we laughed because of what the things that he had said.
Speaker 1:So another one is play a holiday game. Engage in festive games such as Christmas-themed trivia or charades with Christmas songs. You could do these virtual or board games with a seasonal twist. Playing games fosters a sense of playfulness and strengthen bonds with loved ones. A little hint here is with my family, because Dennis has chemotherapy on the 23rd and the 24th, so that Christmas week is out for him. We're having our holiday on the 22nd, which is when you're. It'll be Sunday on the 22nd, and I love holiday games, and so I've done Christmas bingo with the kids and I buy these small little gifts so that we can do that. Reindeer games of some kind. This year I'm going to do some fun things with cray paper and we're going to enroll the cray paper, and who enrolls the cray paper first is going to go ahead and win a prize and it's just, it gets us all laughing.
Speaker 1:You can sing holiday carols, whether you sing alone, with your loved or a virtual group, singing carols can be a joyful and therapeutic activity. Let the melodies and lyric fill your heart with warmth and cheer. If your loved one's in a facility, hopefully they bring in people that are singing Christmas carols. If you are at home, else, if you are at home, maybe there's a way that you can go ahead and get them to something local, like the mall, where you can sit and listen to them, or you just listen to them yourself and sing along and sing those cheers.
Speaker 1:I have to tell you what I did to my husband. Okay, I have to tell you, we have a beautiful I always call it a playground bird feeder out in the front of our house, and so when we sit in our living room, if you look out your windows, you can see the birds, and so we have three feeders on this pole that feed the birds. And so he was out one day feeding the birds and we have a ring camera out there. So I turned on the sound and I was singing. I can't remember what on the sound and I was singing. I can't remember what I was singing. But I was singing. Oh, I was singing the weather outside is frightful and I was singing really loud into it. He dropped the bucket of seeds down onto the ground and looked across the street. He thought somebody across the street was singing so loud that he had to figure out who it was. He never figured out it was me until I asked him what were you doing out there looking around, and then he realized he's like Kathy and we. I mean I laughed to the point that I almost peed my pants, and so finding just these little moments in the challenging times is there, and my favorite one we've talked about this one in the past, but joy to the world.
Speaker 1:Another tip is drive to look at Christmas lights. Take a scenic drive, sit in your jammies, play holiday music in your car. We drive with our jammies and our slippers and I usually have a warm drink and we drive around to look at the Christmas lights. It's just a good way to go out and just make it fun. Another one is holiday crafting. Engage in a creative activity, such as making an ornament or direct decorating a gingerbread house or crafting holiday cards. Whatever you want to do, to go ahead and and do a holiday craft. I mean, if you go online, there's so many that are really really simple that you could do. Or maybe you find something and you just paint or do something. A festive dance party. Put your favorite holiday tunes on and have a mini dance party at home. Moving to the music can boost your mood and release endorphins. It can be fun, and we talked about attending a virtual event. Another one is sharing funny stories. Another one is light-hearted reading Dive into a humorous holiday book.
Speaker 1:So there's a lot of things that you can do to embrace joy to the world. It invites more laughter and cheer into your holiday season and enriches your self-care routine, which is the most important piece. Remembering taking time to laugh and enjoy yourself is not only beneficial for your mental health, but it also empowers you to continue providing compassionate care to your loved one with a joyful heart. It's a choice that you have to make, but you can find moments of joy to the world. Okay, tip number 11 is grateful greetings, embrace journaling for, I'm sorry, grateful greetings meaning gratitude, embrace joyful.
Speaker 1:Let me start again Embrace journaling for gratitude and holiday cheer. Reason is a time of reflection, joy and connection. For caregivers, it's maintaining a gratitude journal, which can be a powerful self-care tool that fosters positivity and emotional well-being amidst the challenges. Now I'm not going to sugarcoat it, it's still hard, but if you can take and divide your brain in half and say, you know what, I'm going to focus on the side that's positive and continue feeding it with grateful greetings, encouraging you to dedicate time to journaling focusing on gratitude, christmas cheer, cherished memories and personal growth. Here's how to do it. It's create a festive journal space.
Speaker 1:We talked about this already, but you know what? I have Christmas cups like coffee mugs, and I have, I think, right now I have oh my gosh, too many. I probably have a dozen, but it's fun because each one of them has a story. Each one of them was bought by somebody, or I found it somewhere and I love it, and sometimes I journal about my cup. Or maybe in your notebook you find holiday stickers that you do or you do a drawing on there. Or maybe somebody bought you a gift and you saved a piece of the ribbon and you put it in your journal. It is yours and you can do that.
Speaker 1:You know daily gratitude entries. You write down three to five things that you're grateful for, and it's going to go ahead and prompt you to go ahead and do it. But if you're looking for ideas, I have a few for you. If you want to do something different during the holidays, what's a cherished holiday tradition that brings you joy? You can put that down and it may have been one that you did in the past and you're saying you miss it. But now journal how you can add a piece of it into your caregiving world.
Speaker 1:Or describe a moment, a moment this season when you feel felt particularly grateful. What was it that brought you gratitude this holiday season? You know it's not going to be the ideal season for me and it's going to be really a hard next week for me with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day because Dennis isn't going to feel well. But what brings me gratitude is the relationship that Dennis has with his oncologist. Simple things like how's my favorite patient? He said to him last week. He smiled at us, he you know he's continuous to be persistent and tackling it. So he's there and that's bringing me so much gratitude.
Speaker 1:Another prompt would be who in your life has been a source of support and gratitude this year for you? Who are those people? Who are those? What were those moments and reflect on that as a gift to yourself. You could even journal out holiday memories If you lost your family member like I'm still missing my mom and my dad but I can go ahead and gratitude those journals and bring those into my soul during that time and I can start giggling and laughing. And if I'm crying, that means that I love them even more and you can make that a place of peace and joy for yourself.
Speaker 1:You could also celebrate your achievements. Now you're going to say, oh, as a caregiver, you know, I don't know. Celebrate the things that you got good at. You became a better advocate, you became good at asking questions, you learned how to do this nursing task, you built a stronger relationship with your loved one, you set a hard, healthy boundary and it hurt, but you did it. Celebrate those achievements. So those are just a few, but you want to go ahead and infuse those positivities.
Speaker 1:Another one is I'm doing my best and that is enough. Do an affirmation I bring warmth and love to those around me. This holiday season, I choose joy and peace. Maybe you have to write those out and work through those so that you can do that, because when you're doing that, embracing grateful greetings. You're cultivating a heart full of gratitude. You're enriching the holiday season with warmth and positivity in your mind, in your body, in your soul. This practice not only nurtures your well-being, but also empowers you to navigate the holidays with more of a grateful heart and a joyful spirit.
Speaker 1:Okay, tip number 12. Oh, this is like my favorite one Santa's special treat. Gift yourself with a well-deserved self-treat. Yourself with a well-deserved self-treat. After 11 tips, now I want you to think about nourishing your well-being. It's time to celebrate your dedication with a special treat for you, and it can be a monetary one or a non-monetary one. Santa's special treats encourages you, as a caregiver, to indulge in activities that bring comfort, relaxation and joy. These self-gifting moments are essential for maintaining your energy and spirit.
Speaker 1:You may be saying well, I can't do it during Christmas because I have to be the one. Well then, plan it for after Christmas. Plan it for New Year's Day, whatever it would be. Plan it for New Year's Day, whatever it would be. Allow yourself to continue providing compassionate care to your loved one, but you have to do that by taking care of yourself first. Now it could be a bubble bath. Bliss, yeah. Create a spa-like experience. Draw a warm bath. Add some holiday-scented bath bombs, epsomom salts or essential oils like lavender, peppermint, pine. You put on some soft holiday music and a candle. Yeah, add a festive touch. Use holiday themed bath accessories or bath bombs like snowflakes or Christmas trees to make your bath even more enjoyable.
Speaker 1:I did this when Dennis was at his stem cell transplant. We were housed at what was called Kathy's house yeah, they have the same name as me but they had baths separate out of the room and you could reserve a bath. And I did that. I put in a bath bomb, I put in music. I just enjoyed the 30 minutes of me time. It just it boosted me.
Speaker 1:Now it may be Gifting yourself fuzzy slippers. Invest in a pair of soft, fuzzy slippers to keep your feet warm and comfortable. Choose colors or patterns that bring you joy, such as red, green or festive colors, and by looking at those slippers, you're going to say this is my daily reminder to prioritize your comfort and well-being. It could be just a signal. Now, another one I really want you to think about is taking a day off, scheduling a break, plan a day off from your caregiving duties. Use this time to engage in activities you love, whether it's reading, watching your favorite holiday movie or simply resting. Ask somebody if you can take a break. Find somebody to be with your loved one during that time. If there's a will, there's a way. Maybe it's a family member, maybe it's a neighbor, maybe it's a nurse, maybe it's a community center that you bring your loved one to. I want you to think about that. Your loved one too. I want you to think about that. Let family and friends know you're taking a day off for yourself to ensure you fully unwind, without interruptions. Tell them you need this to recharge. You haven't had a day off, and you can deliver this message in a positive way and saying you know somebody might say I don't know what I can do to help. And you could say help me brainstorm how I can get a day off. They're going to help you. They're going to help you figure it out.
Speaker 1:Another one would be a facial or a mini spa session. You could do it professionally. You could do it at home. You could do a DIY facial using masks, scrubs or moisturizers. Do the scented candle and the holiday music. Or you could go ahead and book yourself one at a spa or a salon somewhere and going ahead and do that somewhere. And going ahead and do that. You could also indulge in a guilt-free holiday sweet. Enjoy your favorite holiday treat. You could do that sitting by your Christmas tree have your festive cookie or special treat without interruption. You could also pick a healthy alternative like dark chocolate or a fruit-based dessert or a homemade goody with wholesome ingredients.
Speaker 1:Now we had that navigating holiday workshop last week and one of the gals there had said don't forget to buy yourself a gift, personalized gift for yourself, a meaningful purchase. Buy yourself something that brings you joy and holds personal significance, such as a new book, a scented candle For Kathy it's a new coffee cup, a piece of jewelry or a gadget you've been waiting for. Maybe it's a handmade gift. You had somebody knit yourself a sweater or a scarf or you did it yourself to add that personal touch. Don't forget about yourself. If you have to buy it yourself, you buy it yourself and you gift it yourself.
Speaker 1:Another gift that you could give to yourself would be a quiet reflection time. Celebrate achievements, acknowledge your work, going back to the journaling activity, or maybe it's a holiday movie marathon that you gift yourself. Set aside time to watch your favorite holiday movies. Tell your loved one I'm doing limited work today, since it's Christmas Eve, and so I'll make your meals and stuff and I have them all prepared, but this is my time to go ahead and snuggle up with a blanket and popcorn and watch movies today. You can definitely join me today if you want to, but this is my day off and we're going to do it together or I'm going to do it in the other room. So just let me know if you need anything and you're doing that yourself.
Speaker 1:Maybe it's a creative outlet that now you're going to plan for yourself in 2025. You're going to find an activity that you're going to engage in, whether you have to do it at home, or you're going to get out one day a week and you're going to go paint, or you're going to knit, or you're going to write, or you're going to do crafting. You're going to attend a yoga class Right now you could do it with holiday themed and if you love crafting, maybe that's your creative outlet. And you're going to say I am not going to. I'm going to do all of my caregiving chores until noon and then afternoon it's just helping mom or helping my husband, and my afternoons are from one to three, are my craft times or my business time. Whatever you want to do Now you gift yourself.
Speaker 1:We talked about the nature walk, but maybe you gift yourself a nature walk. Maybe you go to the botanical garden or you go down into the city and you stroll and look at the holiday lights. Whatever you do, maybe you gift yourself mindful and meditation time and maybe you have a guided meditation that you use and you shut the door and you do it yourself Once you got your loved one all situated and I'm assuming they're in your home, but maybe they're not, maybe they're at a facility and before you go you do it, or after you're done you do it. Maybe you make yourself your favorite meal, without the rush and the obligations and saying you know what? I got my loved one to bed, they're all situated, and now it's seven o'clock, all situated, and now it's seven o'clock and I'm making myself my favorite meal and I'm going to go ahead and make it savor the fun time of making it sit down. I'm going to enjoy my meal and you have holiday music playing and you just enjoy yourself. So you want to think about that.
Speaker 1:I wanted to spark some ideas so that you could go ahead and do that by going ahead and being your own little Santa special treater, you need to find something that's going to bring you joy, or a mixture of some of these that's going to bring your joy. So let me recap what those treats were like a bubble bath, fuzzy slippers, a day off, facial. Those treats were like a bubble bath, fuzzy slippers, a day off facial. Holiday sweets, personal gift, quiet reflection, a holiday movie marathon, creative outlets, nature, mindfulness, meditation and comfort food. So by embracing these treats and the Santa special treats, you honor your hard work and dedication as a caregiver. You honor your hard work and dedication as a caregiver. Rewarding yourself with well-deserved treats not only brings immediate joy and relaxation, but reinforces the habit of prioritizing your well-being year round.
Speaker 1:Okay, so those were the 10 tips. Oh my gosh, it was so fun sharing these and it was so fun writing these, and I have in my notes now. I kind of screwed up here. I had the whole common circumstance thing and I want to read it here and there you have it, friends 12 festive tips to help you navigate the holiday season with little more ease and a lot more joy and plenty of moments just for you, whether it's sipping a holiday-infused beverage, taking a peaceful walk under the twinkling lights, or gifting yourself a well-deserved treat. Lights, or gifting yourself a well-deserved treat. Each tip is a little reminder that your well-being matters just as much as the care you provide.
Speaker 1:As we wrap up, though, today, friend, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible strength and real compassion you bring to your caregiving journey. Balancing these demands of caregiving and the holidays is no small feat, and your dedication truly shines bright this season. I want you to know that. First of all, I want to wish you the season's best. May your holidays be filled with warmth and laughter, cherish small moments of peace. I hope you find time to relax and connect with your loved ones in meaningful ways and embrace the little joys that make the holiday season magical. I know it's not easy. I know you're sacrificing many, many things, but remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself, and not only to yourself, but to those that you're caregiving for. And I'm still going to be here next week, but in case you don't listen to the both episodes on the 24th Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, I want to also wish you a happy and healthy new year.
Speaker 1:As we forward through the new year and look forward to the new year. I wish you health, happiness and continued strength. May each day bring you renewed energy, heartfelt connections and the serenity to enjoy the present moment. Energy, heartfelt connections and the serenity to enjoy the present moment. You deserve all the joy and the peace in the holiday season and what it has to offer.
Speaker 1:I want to thank you for tuning in to the Caregiver Cup podcast. It is truly an honor to be part of this and you know what I had so much fun with the 12 tips of caregiving today. I'm grateful to share these moments with you. If you found this today helpful or you know somebody else that needs to hear these things, please share this episode with them and if you're not already subscribed, hit that subscribe button or that follow button. Whatever app or platform you're listening on to. That helps me, because the more people that subscribe to this, the more visual, more vision it gets and the more exposure it gets. Don't forget, too, that I am.
Speaker 1:If you're on Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest, look for the Caregiver Cup. You're going to find me out there. I share more tips and support. I love sharing quotes out there too. I'll share a little bit of Dennis's journey and my journey out there as well, and I want to connect with you. I want to follow you. I want to find out what your world is like. If you do, share it out there. But if not, get on my email list as well, because that's an important piece too. So, from my heart to yours, happy holidays to you and your family. Take care and stay warm and know that you are appreciated and cherished. Until next time, my friend, and until Christmas Eve I will be here ringing my bells. Fa la, la, la, la, bye for now.