Holidays present a dizzying array of demands and changes in routines. Seniors may be stressed out because there are plenty of things to do. They may include entertaining guests, cooking for family, running errands, and planning for the festivities. Thus, sticking to a to-do list can be very stressful. The good news is that we have highlighted five shortcuts to use to avoid being overwhelmed by holiday traditions.
1. Delegate Tasks
As a senior, you may have limited mobility and be unable to complete various tasks. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of holiday traditions, do not be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Enlist family members to help you decorate or run errands.
2. Take Advantage of Online Shopping
The overly crowded malls and long queues at shops during holidays may be overwhelming. Instead of visiting your local shop to get groceries or gifts, try making purchases online. The convenience of online shopping permits you to shop from the comfort of your home at virtually any time. You will be less inclined to travel long distances to get to stores. This will save you time and have your necessities delivered on time.
3. Simplify Your To-Do List
Simplify your to-do list and eliminate chores that are not necessary. Decide on the tasks that you feel more obligated to do first. Ensure you prioritize tasks that make you feel rested and relaxed rather than stress you out. Let go of the 'I want to do it all' attitude. Prioritizing essential tasks will make you feel better and think more clearly.
4. Outsource Services
If baking, cleaning, or cooking makes you burdened rather than joyful, scale back. You can outsource cleaning services to get your home cleaned for the holidays. Do not feel obliged to cook or bake. Instead of preparing homemade food, consider pre-made meals. Additionally, if you are hosting guests, purchase baked goods from your local shops. Sequentially, this frees up your time for other high-priority holiday tasks.
5. Advance Planning
The leading cause of feeling overwhelmed is waiting until the last minute to complete to-do lists. Seniors tire easily and are vulnerable to over-stimulation when to-do lists pile up. Make a routine of planning tasks such as meal prepping, setting a holiday budget, or cleaning dishes early. Preparing and freezing meals in advance is another way to reduce being overwhelmed. If it is gift shopping, stock up on gifts year-round so you can focus your attention elsewhere during the holidays.
At Senior Helpers Bluegrass, we believe that finding creative ways to complete holiday to-do lists without being overwhelmed adds more meaning to the holiday season. We offer professional caregiver services to seniors that help ease anxiety brought about by the holiday season. If you live around Frankfort, Versailles, Midway, Georgetown, or Lawrenceburg and you are feeling overwhelmed by tasks during the holidays, contact us. Senior Helpers Bluegrass wishes you a happy and stress-free holiday season!