The holiday season is a wonderful time of the year to relax, spend time with friends and family, and look forward to the year ahead. However, the holiday season can be an overwhelming and stressful time for people with disability and those that support them.
Strategies to help yourself, loved ones and carers manage the holiday period
Keep in touch with friends and family –
To manage feelings of isolation over the Christmas period, make regular plans with friends and family that you can look forward to. This could include going for a walk or doing a festive activity with a friend. If you are unable to see friends and family face-to-face, there are plenty of other ways to stay in touch. Organise regular phone calls, video chats or even plan some virtual activities. The important aspect is engaging with people during this period.
Respect your limits –
While it’s important to stay in touch with friends and family, you also need to listen to your body and know your limits. Parties and social gatherings, although enjoyable, can fill one’s calendar quickly and lead to feeling overwhelmed. Plan your schedule in advance and be sure to include time for you to rest and relax.
Plan ahead –
When organising transport, it’s important to take into consideration the accessibility requirements needed for the person with a disability and to prebook modes of transportation such as taxis. If you use an electric wheelchair, you know there’s nothing worse than running low or running out of power. Making sure your chair is charged is one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to enjoy your time over the break.
Practice healthy habits – Create a routine that incorporates healthy habits such as regular exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep. Getting fresh air and communicating with those around you are also some great techniques to keep your spirits high over the holiday period.
Take care of yourself –
The holidays can often mean taking care of others and making sure they are enjoying themselves. Don’t forget; you can’t fill someone else’s cup if yours is empty. Set a positive example for others about the importance of taking care of yourself during busy and stressful times. Eat well, exercise regularly and create a good sleep routine so that you have the energy and resources to extend yourself for others.
