Not much beats fresh air and participating in activities or groups to boost your wellbeing, as this ensures you avoid feeling isolated and enables you to build connections with others. Christmas can be a wonderful time to wrap up, embrace the chill and head out to somewhere warm and welcoming with the people you love.
However, as a carer it can sometimes feel like a juggling act trying to balance your wellbeing, the care of your loved ones and fitting necessary tasks into the day.
We all have times when we are unable to leave the house due to illness, extreme weather, or are unable to leave your loved one alone as taking them with you isn’t always possible or practical.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to complete some tasks from the comfort of your own home, so that you can remain productive and tick errands off your list.
Home collections
Many postal delivery services now offer free or low-cost home collections for items you wish to post. You can purchase the necessary postage online, including international postage for letters and parcels. Once purchased, you can arrange a collection from your home address.
Consider sending cards, letters or parcels this way when you need to post items to friends and family this Christmas.
Home delivery
Food shopping can be a time-consuming task. Many supermarkets offer delivery to your home, saving you time. The additional benefit of placing an online food order is you’ll be more likely to stick to your shopping list than to deviate into the ‘special offers’ or spontaneous purchases; therefore saving you money!
Batch cooking
This can be a fantastic way to plan some easy meals, save energy costs and reduce food waste. Embarking on a batch cooking session will help you to feel productive whilst looking after your loved ones at home. Pop on some cosy slippers, your favourite music and make some of your favourite comfort foods! You could also batch bake some festive cookies or seasonal cakes to freeze, ready to decorate and gift at Christmas.
Carer Money Matters Tip!
There are grants available that can support you in purchasing equipment such as air fryers, that can enhance your baking quests whilst taking some positive energy saving steps.
Virtual GP appointments
Most GP surgeries offer telephone or virtual appointments, meaning you don’t need to leave your own home to consult with a doctor. Contact your local surgery to find out if they offer this. In addition to this, many health care professionals, such as podiatrists, can offer home visits. For many medical concerns, you can also call 111 for advice.
Gifting tip!
Consider making some gifts for loved ones whilst at home. Use your time to create some personalised knitwear or transfer some plant cuttings into decorative pots. Creating a photo collage of memories can be a nostalgic and thoughtful gift, and many services enable you to do this online and deliver to you or directly to the recipient.
Self-care
For some self-care, you could subscribe to have your favourite magazine delivered direct to your door each month. Once you know it’s due, plan in some time to sit and relax with a hot drink and a tasty snack for some time out. Alternatively, you could join in with our regular online Book Club where you can enjoy and share your favourite reads with fellow carers.
Did you know the Bath and North East Somerset Mobile Library regularly visits many smaller villages? The mobile library offers all the same services as a usual branch, so you can borrow, reserve, renew and return close to your doorstep.
If we change the frame, we can be more productive with our time and feel a sense of accomplishment. That said, we understand it can feel isolating if you are less able to leave your home frequently, so please don’t hesitate to contact our Support Line on 0800 0388 885 if you need to talk to someone.