How to Survive the Holiday Season with Chronic Illness
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the holidays are stressful.
Whether you’re hosting or visiting, the season—though enjoyable—is exhausting for everyone. Even the most seasoned holiday pros run into unavoidable snags: a dropped dish, a sudden migraine, an uninvited guest, or traffic. So, imagine how the holiday season must feel for those of us with chronic illnesses.
When your body already isn’t operating on all its cylinders, everyday tasks become difficult. Preparing to host or even visit family and friends can cause a spike in anxiety, exhaustion, and chronic pain. Any time a person with chronic illness has to switch their routine or become overstimulated, their symptoms become exasperated.
The body does not know the difference between good stress, like wedding planning or gift buying, and bad stress, like being worried about your family’s safety. So even though the holidays are a “good” stressor, your body might not react that way. Thus, taking a moment to breathe is beyond important! As the proud owner of a new Apple Watch, I recently discovered there is a mindfulness app to remind you to breathe. Use it!
So, what can you do to make the holiday season less stressful for yourself or someone you love with chronic illness? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips that my family follows year after year.
Breathe: Yes, it sounds simple, but are you doing it right now? Check-in on your breath whenever you remember to!
Stick to a Low Sugar Drink: Skip that festive-but-sugary-themed cocktail, it’s not worth the crash later. Stick to a clear spirit and soda with lemon.
Remember What’s Important: Set a reminder around your bedtime every night to remind you to set aside some time to reflect on what’s important to you. During the chaos of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget what’s important, like your family and health.
Just Say No: Unpopular opinion, it’s okay to not attend that 10th Christmas party! If you feel bad declining an invite, try responding with something like the following: “Hey, thank you so much for the invite! Unfortunately, I’ve already agreed to a lot of commitments this holiday season and I don’t want to overexert myself, but I’d love to see you in the new year. Let’s get something on the calendar!”
Sit Outside with your Coffee in the Morning: Start each day with a breath of fresh air. Clear your head and set your intentions for a positive day. Grab your drink of choice (I love decaf coffee), take a look at your schedule, and start planning how you can do what you need to do while still taking care of yourself. Remember to rely on your community, they are there for you!
How do you celebrate the holiday season? I’d love to hear your tips. As always, email me at Kenzie@HolisticUmbrella.com to chat and follow along on @HolisticUmbrella on Facebook and Instagram.
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving! xx