Thank you to everyone that took the time to answer our “Mobilise Moment” questions.
This is our monthly temperature check-in for unpaid carers in the Mobilise community, checking in on how we’re all feeling and what we are tackling right now. Find out how people in the Mobilise community are feeling and to take part next month, simply sign up for our weekly newsletter (if you're not already).
Christmas isn't always a joy!
Not everyone is looking forward to the festive season, it can be quite a stressful time, we might be dealing with difficult memories, loneliness and heightened expectations.
Support from services, family and friends is lacking for some of us
Many of us are experiencing strong emotions including overwhelm, grief and anxiety.
So if we are finding things tough we are not alone. This month we know we need some carer wisdom to help us through.
All of our situations are different and the things that work for us will be different too. We chatted to carers in the community over a couple of cuppas about their plans for the next two weeks. What emerged wasn’t a clever to-do list or impossible goals to transform our lives but instead some carer wisdom - the things we need to tell ourselves to keep going, to get through and maybe even improve things a little.
Here’s a selection box of wisdom from carers
Simply choose the things that work for you and leave out the things that don’t:
Say yes to all offers of help
Only do what is essential
Practise gratitude
Avoid social media (stop doom scrolling)
Do one thing at a time
Lower expectations but notice delight
Just enjoy what can be enjoyed
Be a bit silly
Let go of the plan
Perfection is not needed
Set healthy boundaries with friends and family
Make time for you
You can't please everyone
Be present
Don't overthink things
Don't aim for perfection
No need to conform
Surround yourself with positive people.
Spend time outside in nature
Christmas dinner is just a roast dinner… simplify
Don’t drink the whole bottle!
If you have invited people to your house - just be the venue not the host
Spend time with animals
Look for the good moments and focus on them
Repeat to yourself “It will be calm”
Remember that nothing lasts forever. Feelings pass.
Is there anything from that list that you need to hold onto? Write it down, use it as your mantra and remember this is wisdom from one carer to another, someone who gets it.
What's next?
If you’re feeling particularly low right now, please remember that you can book a free call with our Mobilise Support team. They’re available seven days a week, until 9pm all though the Christmas and New Year period.
We will also be open to support you over the Christmas break so you're very welcome to reach out to us.
There’s even more carer wisdom and tips in our blog - make Christmas work for you.
If you would like to take part in our monthly Mobilise Moment and receive bespoke support in your caring role, simply sign up to receive weekly our email (which is also full of other amazing support for carers).