On the 26th Day of Christmas…

…Way too many of us wind up feeling depleted, disappointed, or depressed.  After-Christmas blues can be as inevitable as after-Christmas sales.  Even if caregivers experience simpler and quieter holidays than in years past, they still can be susceptible to post-Christmas blues.  Why?  

·        Too much or too little time with family and friends

·        Fatigue

·        Unmet expectations

·        Looking forward only to a long, grey stretch of winter

It is possible to reduce the post-Christmas blues, especially if we start before Christmas.  Perhaps the single-best preventive measure is to avoid over-extending ourselves financially, physically, or emotionally during the holidays.   Moderation can work miracles in reducing stress and despair.

We can also take actions immediately after Christmas to stem the blues.  We can:

·         Begin a new book or daily journal.  Time may not be abundant, but even 5 stolen minutes a day can be rejuvenating. 

·         Engage in physical activity.  If you find yourself home-bound out of necessity, even simple stretching exercises can increase your energy level and lift your mood.

·         Plan a new “event.” Although full-time caregivers are unlikely to maintain a full social schedule, you can set smaller goals to look forward to, even ones as simple as movie night or game night.

·         Watch your diet.  Continuing to over-indulge in holiday leftovers can make us feel worse (even if we are indulging in our favorite seasonal foods).

·         Forego unrealistic New Year’s resolutions.  Go easy on yourself.  If you enjoy goal-setting, why not set positive goals that are nurturing (not punishing)?  Maybe it’s as simple as deciding to  make  time once a month for a massage or manicure.  And there’s no need to wait until January 1^st to begin rewarding yourself.

·         Recognize the good you do.  December 26^th is the perfect holiday for caregivers:  it is the Feast of St. Stephen, which also became known as Boxing Day throughout the British Empire because it was the day when the rich would “box up” gifts for the poor. It is still celebrated as a day to do good for others – the ultimate caregiver mission.