It's the happiest time of the year. Until it isn't.
More than 6 in 10 of us experience increased stress and fatigue during the holidays. And when you're already juggling the challenge of caregiving, that extra stress can beat you down.
Caregiving brings a mix of emotions, on top of the physical stress. Resentment, disappointment, feeling down, grief or loneliness may be among the myriad of feelings stealing your holiday joy.
If you're feeling more humbug than happy this holiday season, you can take steps to regain your holiday joy and reduce the post-holiday blues. Even before the busyness of the holiday season begins, you can learn to control more of your smaller stressors that sap your joy.
And while this holiday season might not look like it did in years past, you can find comfort and joy even while caregiving.
Holiday Stress When You're Caregiving: Caring For You And Your Loved Ones gives insights and strategies to help with: Stress management while caregivingTaking care of youHaving a healthy holiday seasonSimplifying the holidaysCultivating gratitudeManaging holiday expectationsEasing money stress from the holidaysHoliday celebrations involving your care recipientResetting after the holidays