Tips for surviving and thriving during the Christmas Season
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, laughter, and connection. But for those of us living with a chronic illness, the season can sometimes feel like an overwhelming whirlwind of social obligations, hectic schedules, and increased physical stress. If you are wondering how you will possibly navigate the holiday season while managing your health, rest assured that you are not alone!! It is very possible to make the most of the holiday season without losing your mind or sacrificing your health!
Set Realistic Expectations
First off, acknowledge that Christmas might look different than in years past - years where health concerns were not a part of your life - and that's totally okay! It's super important to adjust your expectations to match your current health situation. You might not be able to go to every holiday party, host the perfect meal, or decorate every inch of your home. This year, focus on the things you can do! Let go of the guilt and embrace a more simple season.
Prioritize Self-Care
The holidays can feel like a blur of excitement and activity, but self-care should be a non-negotiable. Make sure you are setting aside time each day to rest and take care of your body. This could look like taking a short nap, sitting quietly with a warm drink by the tree, or enjoying a warm bath. These moments of self-care are super important for keeping your stress levels down and your energy levels up! You don't have to run on fumes to enjoy the season!
Learn to Say No - Graciously and Guilt-Free!
A challenging part of the holidays can be saying no to invitations, events, and parties. But in the end, your health needs to come first! You don't need to attend every gathering or try to be everywhere at once! Politely declining is an act of self-preservation, not selfishness. If you like you could send a small gift or a card if you are not able to attend. People will understand - especially if you are taking care of yourself. Prioritize the events that matter most to you in order to preserve your energy!
Plan for Downtime
It can be easy to overdo it when you're trying to make the most of the holiday season, but pacing yourself is key! Plan your schedule ahead of time and be strategic about how you want to spend your energy. If you have busy days ahead, try to balance these out with some quieter days where you can recharge. Maybe you want to spend a day binge-watching Christmas movies in your jammies or take a gentle walk to enjoy some lights - whatever feels regenerating for you!
Simplify Holiday Traditions
While traditions can feel like the heart of the holiday season, there's no need to keep every single one if it's going to leave you feeling drained. Instead of stressing about creating the perfect holiday meal or decor, it's okay to simplify! Consider swapping out extensive traditions for more simple ones. Or, consider creating new traditions that are easier on your body.
Ask For Help
Though sometimes hard to do, if you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it's delegating some of the cooking, having someone assist with shopping, or asking a family member to help with cleaning and decorating, there is no shame is seeking help. The people who care about you will be more than willing to pitch in if it means you can enjoy the holidays with less stress.
Focus on Meaning, Not Perfection
The holiday season can often become about "doing it right" - finding the perfect gift, serving the most amazing meals, and hosting flawless parties. But the heart of Christmas is about connection, love, and gratitude. Can you shift your focus from trying to achieve perfection to simply being present? Whether you are exchanging a heartfelt message with a loved one or enjoying a quiet evening at home, those moments of connection are what truly make the season special.
Embrace Flexibility
Living with a chronic illness means that things can change unexpectedly. You might feel amazing one day, and completely drained the next. You can embrace this fluidity by keeping plans flexible. Don't be afraid to change things up if you need to. If you have big plans but are feeling under the weather it's okay to reschedule, scale things down or readjust.
Celebrate in Your Own Way
Finally, remember that Christmas doesn't have to look a certain way to be meaningful. Whether you celebrate with a big meal or a quiet moment of reflection, the most important thing is how you feel during this season. Embrace your unique way of celebrating! Maybe it's by enjoying a quiet evening of Christmas movies, or spending quality time with family. What truly matters is finding joy in the little moments - even if they are different from the traditions you once had.
In the end, the Christmas season doesn't have to be about pushing yourself to the limit
or trying to keep up with all the hustle and bustle. With a little planning, a lot of self- compassion, and a willingness to change expectations and let go of perfection, you can enjoy the magic of the season on your own terms. So take a deep, cleansing breath, embrace your own pace, and remember that you are doing your best - and that is always more than enough! Wishing you a magical and fulfilling holiday season!
If you are looking for more support in navigating your health concerns or chronic illness, feel free to reach out for a free 15 minute consultation. Therapy for chronic illness offered in person in Edmonton, AB and online across Alberta.
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