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A Holiday Recipe for Caregivers: Ingredients for a Joyful Season and Peaceful New Year

  • Two teaspoons self-care. Take the opportunity in this Season of Giving to ask for something that makes your job easier. Invite a friend or family member to stay with your loved one while you get some time out, or give them your gift ideas for assistance with errands or meals or housekeeping help.
  • One ounce planning ahead. Keep in mind your own and your loved one's limitations, and plan for activities that are easy to manage. Plan for enough rest and breaks in between visits or outings to extend your enjoyment of the holidays.
  • One tablespoon emotional support. Choose a good friend or compassionate acquaintance to take a walk or share a meal and talk over the difficult feelings that come with caregiving responsibilities. A good talk can make you feel a little lighter!
  • One cup personal time out. Give yourself a gift by using one of the respite (time off) options available through community organizations. Call your Caregiver Resource Center for information. A real break from caregiving can restore and rejuvenate you.
  • A pinch of prevention. Call your doctor's office today to make an appointment to insure your own health needs are taken care of. And get your flu shot!
  • One cup shared memories. There is no better time than the holiday season for sitting down with a loved one and looking through family photo albums or scrapbooks, remembering all the good times you've shared and the people you've loved.
  • One cup sense of humor. Laugh when you can; it brings joy to those around you and brightens your day. Squeeze out time to rent a funny movie, enjoy a humorous book, e-mail a joke to a friend.
  • Two cups of giving thanks. For all those who have offered their support, this is a good time to let them know how much their efforts have meant to you!
Blend all ingredients, adjusting spices as needed. Bake and serve warm. Enjoy throughout the holidays!

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