Christmas can be a stressful time of year for carers.

You not only have the normal daily client activities, but you may also be helping them to prepare for Christmas and doing festive activities.

If you have a family, you could also be planning and organising your own Christmas. All of these activities can take their toll and lead to increased stress and exhaustion.

The Importance of Self-Care

It’s so easy to forget about yourself in the run up to Christmas and during festive celebrations. As a carer your priority is someone else, and we all know how hard it is when you’re busy, to find time for your own health and wellbeing. But we’re here to tell you that you need to be looking after yourself first. It’s an overused analogy but as with an emergency on a plane, you need to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping someone else. By looking after yourself, you’re in a better position to look after others.

Practical Tips for Self-Care during Christmas

To help you make your self-care a reality this festive season we’ve put together some practical tips to help you make it happen. Some are super simple and take very little time while others may need a bit more planning.

• Take regular breaks. Even if these are short, they’ll give you a chance to catch your breath and help you mentally.
• Savour your cup of tea, coffee or a hot chocolate. Don’t just drink it mindlessly, instead smell it, taste it and enjoy every mouthful.
• Try to get outside a couple of times a day for a few minutes and breath in the fresh air. If time permits go for a walk, even if it’s just around the block.
• Exercise. We all know that exercise is good for our physical and mental health, so try and squeeze in some exercise where you can. From squats while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil to a run. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy doing and also fits in with your schedule.
• Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. If you’re prone to forgetting to drink as you get busy, set a timer on your phone to remind you.
• Eat healthy meals. This will give you the energy you need to get through the day and will make you feel good too. Plan your meals ahead of time and do a weekly shop to get what you need. If you struggle to find time to shop, try online shopping.
• Buy and eat healthy snacks. It’s so tempting at this time of year to eat biscuits & chocolate but these will make you feel lethargic. Add some fruit, nuts and seeds to your shop and eat these instead of sweet treats.
• Meditation can be great way to switch off mentally. Insight Timer is a free App with hundreds of meditations of varying lengths. From 2 minutes to 10 minutes and beyond, you’re sure to find one that will fit into your schedule.
• Read a book. There’s nothing like immersing yourself in a good story to switch off from your endless to do list. Reading to a client is another way to incorporate this into your day.
• Find activities that you can do with your client/s that you also find relaxing. Watch a movie together or perhaps a DIY pamper session.

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish all carers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Thank you for all that you do!