Tips and tricks will help you get the most enjoyment out of your holidays, and they make for good advice throughout the year.

1. Six Stress-Busters
for the Holidays and Beyond

2. Holiday seasons give us a chance to gear down and spend some quality
time with the people we love - but getting to that point can be a hectic
blur of preparation, extra effort and anxiety.
These six tips and tricks will help you get the most enjoyment out of
your holidays, and they make for good advice throughout the year.

3. 1 Set a family budget for gift giving.
• Whatever the occasion, set a family budget for gift giving,
and help each other with ideas.
• What to give and how much to pay for it are two stressors
that can sap the gift-giving spirit out of anyone.
• Multiply that guesswork over several loved ones –divided by the
already hectic responsibilities of work (or harder yet, the search for it),
school, caregiving and child-rearing – and you have a formula for
holiday hardship.
Lighten your load with a year-round family gift-giving strategy that
respects everyone’s time and budget.

4. 2 Spend time with the people you care about.
From low cost to no cost, taking some time to visit with friends, family
and loved ones can instantly boost your mood, and it can be a great
opportunity to vent if you’ve been feeling down.
If you’re far away, maybe your “gift” is your travel. If you can’t be there
in person, phone calls and free Skype sessions can help melt away the
miles.

5. 3 Did we mention that saving money feels good?
Use couponmap.com to find deals wherever you may be traveling this
holiday season, or even if you’re not! Saving money is on the top of just
about everybody’s list these days, and knowing that you are saving
money can make you feel better.

6. 4 Exercise!
Even if you just get up and walk around the house or do some jumping
jacks between TV shows, getting your heart pumping and blood flowing
will facilitate the release of happy hormones.
Here are some more ways to exercise indoors this winter.

7. 5 Get visit-able
Got guests? Think about increasing your home’s “visit-ability.” From
very young children to seniors and people with disabilities, making your
home more accessible for holiday visitors will make you feel more
prepared and make them feel safe and comfortable.
Efforts as basic as ice and snow removal and other simple (even
temporary) modifications can make it easier on all of you.

8. 6 Make it easy to keep track of your medications.
The holiday bustle often takes us out of our normal schedules and
routines, which can make it harder to manage our medications. Keep it
simple and safe by downloading a helpful medication chart.
This is a great way to track multiple prescriptions and supplements
without having to remember everything.

9. Companion Care
Trained, insured and bonded BrightStar caregivers will plan activities
that will be both stimulating and enjoyable. We can provide any level of
companionship you desire to achieve a quality of life you need.
Our Companionship services include:
• Adult and elderly home companion visits
• Assist with writing letters and correspondence
• Help to connect with loved ones through e-mail and social media
• Expectant and new mother support
• Engage in stimulating activities such as art projects and reading
• Schedule assistance
• Respite and family relief
• Sitter services

10. Home Support
BrightStar’s home companion services can provide travel
companionship, minor housework, bathing, grooming, and much more.
We are there for you. It’s just one more way we’re making more
possible in the lives of those we care for.
Our Home Support services:
• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Create customized grocery lists in accordance with dietary needs and
preferences
• Meal preparation and cooking
• Home organization
• Feed and care for pets

11. Outside Support
It doesn’t matter if it’s senior transportation around town, or disability
assistance on a business trip or vacation, we can offer a full range of
adult and senior services to assist you. Call us and our dedicated
caregivers can be there to get you where you need to go. At the drop of
a dime.
Outside Support includes:
• Facilitate visits with friends and neighbors
• Plan visits, outings and trips
• Schedule assistance
• Senior transportation services
• Transportation to and from doctor appointments, social events, etc.
• Travel companionship
• Shopping and errands

12. Find Quality Care Now
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