In the previous edition of this series, we discussed the challenges of managing the holidays and the ways in which caregivers can handle these challenges. In this edition, we will talk about making New Year’s resolutions that will help you in your journey toward effective caregiving.
The holidays have come and gone; the new year is here; and it’s time to start another chapter. Buzzing from the glow of the holidays, it’s common for one to feel content. You’ve worked diligently for the past year and you’ve strived to finish strong. Hopefully you’ve had the opportunity to rest as well, because now you must return to work. It doesn’t have to feel like work, however. Sure, caregiving can be a demanding task; but if you approach with a smart strategy and an open mindset, it will be rewarding for those involved.
A great way to ensure success is to make a list of goals. Making New Year’s resolutions has been a longstanding tradition; unfortunately, resolutions tend to wane later in the year. The objective is to make small and feasible goals that lead to greater achievements. Start easy and gradually work toward more challenging goals. Instead of viewing a resolution as something that encompasses the entire year ahead, think of it as a personal promise to guide you along the way. For example, rather than making a commitment to follow a strict workout regimen for a consecutive number of days, make an effort to allot a designated timeframe in which you will go on a light walk every other morning. Eventually, you may increase the workload to a jog, or even a run, on a daily basis. This example demonstrates the value of consistency, which can be applied to other aspects of life. Above all, keep your goals simple, concrete, and specific.
With caregiving, there are many resolutions you could make to improve the effectiveness of your efforts. One example of a resolution is to rest more. This is a good idea, but how might one quantify that? Well, a crucial aspect that we often overlook is sleep. Sleep is a powerful tool to replenish your energy and prepare for the next day. To translate this into a concrete goal, you could start by going to bed 5 or 10 minutes earlier than you usually do. Make a conscious effort to unwind and relax at the end of the day. Once you’ve accomplished that first milestone, try going to bed 15 or 20 minutes earlier, then 30 minutes earlier than you used to. This gradual increase will ensure that you stay on track toward your goal of getting more rest. Another resolution could be to view things from a more positive perspective. To achieve this, you could start by smiling or laughing more frequently. Pay attention to details in your daily routine that you might take for granted, and remind yourself why you’re grateful for these little things. Make a list of things that make you happy.
Sometimes we get so engrossed in our duties and responsibilities that we forget the simple pleasures we enjoyed as children. A resolution to spend more time for yourself could be met by incorporating breaks into your schedule. These could be as short as 5 or 10 minutes, but anything helps. Use this time not to worry about your work, but rather, to read or listen to music. Focus on intellectual hobbies that stimulate both your body and mind. Lastly, make an effort to accept help from others. This resolution could be attained through sending short texts or making brief phone calls. Reach out to your family members and friends, and let them know how fortunate you feel that they are there to support you.
Whether you make several resolutions or few, try to keep them realistic. Understand that not everything goes the way we plan; but as long as we set little goals for ourselves, we are bound to go in the right direction. Be open to new possibilities and embrace change that is beneficial. Happy New Year! As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
References:
https://dailycaring.com/3-new-years-resolutions-for-caregivers/
https://caregiver.com/articles/popping-the-cork/
The holidays have come and gone; the new year is here; and it’s time to start another chapter. Buzzing from the glow of the holidays, it’s common for one to feel content. You’ve worked diligently for the past year and you’ve strived to finish strong. Hopefully you’ve had the opportunity to rest as well, because now you must return to work. It doesn’t have to feel like work, however. Sure, caregiving can be a demanding task; but if you approach with a smart strategy and an open mindset, it will be rewarding for those involved.
A great way to ensure success is to make a list of goals. Making New Year’s resolutions has been a longstanding tradition; unfortunately, resolutions tend to wane later in the year. The objective is to make small and feasible goals that lead to greater achievements. Start easy and gradually work toward more challenging goals. Instead of viewing a resolution as something that encompasses the entire year ahead, think of it as a personal promise to guide you along the way. For example, rather than making a commitment to follow a strict workout regimen for a consecutive number of days, make an effort to allot a designated timeframe in which you will go on a light walk every other morning. Eventually, you may increase the workload to a jog, or even a run, on a daily basis. This example demonstrates the value of consistency, which can be applied to other aspects of life. Above all, keep your goals simple, concrete, and specific.
With caregiving, there are many resolutions you could make to improve the effectiveness of your efforts. One example of a resolution is to rest more. This is a good idea, but how might one quantify that? Well, a crucial aspect that we often overlook is sleep. Sleep is a powerful tool to replenish your energy and prepare for the next day. To translate this into a concrete goal, you could start by going to bed 5 or 10 minutes earlier than you usually do. Make a conscious effort to unwind and relax at the end of the day. Once you’ve accomplished that first milestone, try going to bed 15 or 20 minutes earlier, then 30 minutes earlier than you used to. This gradual increase will ensure that you stay on track toward your goal of getting more rest. Another resolution could be to view things from a more positive perspective. To achieve this, you could start by smiling or laughing more frequently. Pay attention to details in your daily routine that you might take for granted, and remind yourself why you’re grateful for these little things. Make a list of things that make you happy.
Sometimes we get so engrossed in our duties and responsibilities that we forget the simple pleasures we enjoyed as children. A resolution to spend more time for yourself could be met by incorporating breaks into your schedule. These could be as short as 5 or 10 minutes, but anything helps. Use this time not to worry about your work, but rather, to read or listen to music. Focus on intellectual hobbies that stimulate both your body and mind. Lastly, make an effort to accept help from others. This resolution could be attained through sending short texts or making brief phone calls. Reach out to your family members and friends, and let them know how fortunate you feel that they are there to support you.
Whether you make several resolutions or few, try to keep them realistic. Understand that not everything goes the way we plan; but as long as we set little goals for ourselves, we are bound to go in the right direction. Be open to new possibilities and embrace change that is beneficial. Happy New Year! As always, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
References:
https://dailycaring.com/3-new-years-resolutions-for-caregivers/
https://caregiver.com/articles/popping-the-cork/
