A lot of stress comes with the holidays. It can increase even more if you have a chronic illness. Some of the major stressors during the holidays for everybody are long lines and crowds, seeing certain relatives, gaining weight, and money. Add to that any chronic illness and all of those stressors seem a bit greater. So, how should one handle the stress of the holidays. Remember it is just another day. Remember the things that are not stressful and focus on those. Who really wants to add to the burdens they already carry?
I'd like to offer up a few tips I have learned along the way. Keep in mind, I am only human and there is no way to have butterflies and sunshine everyday. First, let's start with long lines and crowds. An easy answer to that is to avoid them, but that is definitely not realistic. As your weaving through crowds or standing in long lines try to have a little compassion and empathy to those around you. Not one person in that long line is thinking "This is amazing, I'll never get home. Woohoo." Also, inching closer and closer to the person in front of you does not make the line move more quickly. It just violates every one's personal space including your own causing more tension. Realistically speaking, if you do have a chronic illness and long lines and/or crowds are difficult for you try to go shopping during non peak hours. During the week people are rushing to get things done on their lunch break or after work so go mid morning or mid afternoon when the crowds and lines may be a little more scarce.
Everyone has those relatives they dread seeing. Equally, everyone has those relatives the love seeing. Not always do they come in the same crowd or on the same holiday, but there is probably a good mix at any holiday. Try not to focus on the relative and definitely don't waste precious time preparing for the holiday dreading that person. You are only adding fuel to the fire. Another good thing to keep in mind is that many of the relatives you will be seeing do not see you on a daily basis. Sure, everyone in the family knows about your chronic illness, but do they understand? Probably not fully. With grace and dignity, hold your head high. Continue to treat and manage your illness as usual. Don't take comments of ignorance personally. Depending on your personality, you can politely educate this person or simply move forward with the celebration. Even the relatives you look forward to seeing are bound to make a misstep as will you. Let's not take things too seriously so we can enjoy the holidays as we should.
Gaining weight is a stressors that follows so many of us throughout the year and certainly increases with the holidays. There are a host of chronic illnesses that use weight management in conjunction with other treatments and therapies to manage the disease. That can definitely put a dent in the holiday fun. You can still enjoy a holiday party or meal without the weight gain. Many of us will chronic illnesses know enough about our condition to manage our weight, but like everyone else we like to be carefree sometimes and eat that cookie. An easy fix is to allow yourself those treats that may be possible with the illness you face. But work the treats into your "diet" , so to speak. If you know you want the cookie or piece of pie, skip the extra roll or sweet potato casserole. you can even ration the treats. There are going to be plenty of parties and meals and goodies throughout the holidays. Throw in treats here and there as suggested earlier and you can rest easy knowing weight gain is not inevitable.
Most importantly, maintain your management routine. Taking care of yourself is always number one, but for the holidays it allows you to fully embrace them. Medicines should be taken on time. Hydrate well and allow time for rest. If you regularly exercise, try to work physical activity in to your holiday experiences. Shopping burns calories, the walking is gentle on the joints, and you don't even realize your exercising while your enjoying yourself. Sleep is also essential. Life happens and you may not go to bed at the same time as usual or wake as normal, but do the best you can knowing you will pay for overextending yourself. This should be a general rule among all, not just the chronically ill. There is no shame in taking care of yourself so you can enjoy this holiday season and more to come.
Finally, money. When is money not an issue. Now matter how much we have there are so many opportunities to spend it, it always goes quickly while leaving you still needing more for that one thing you need. With an illness the finances are stretched a little further. Remember that the holidays are not about money. No one will think you love them more if the gift you get is top notch. If they do, they are shallow. It is such a good feeling to give to others and see them happy by what you have done. Gifts do not have to be bought. With sites like Pinterest, there are a million ideas out there for homemade or inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts. Do not give in to the propaganda of the holidays; give in to the joy the togetherness and remembrance of the holidays.
Anyone with a chronic illness is dragged down daily by this disease to manage. Know that the disease does not define you. It is as much a part of you as an arm or a leg, but it is simply one puzzle piece that makes the masterpiece that is YOU. We all deserve to celebrate. We all deserve some togetherness. Whether these things are wrapped in to holidays or otherwise, embrace every moment you have. Good or bad, it's another moment. How do you want to spend it?
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