Tips on Surviving the Holidays
The holidays are just around the corner. I can just feel it. The Christmas music already playing on the radio and the beautiful decorated lights, around the neighborhood, are already put up.
Starbucks is already out with its holiday collection, which makes me so excited. I was disappointed this year, as they discontinued their Gingerbread latte. It was one of my favorites to pick up, during this time of year. This year it will be replaced by Chestnut Praline, as a special treat when I am in need of taking a little drive and getting out of the house. Anyways, let me take you to some tips that will help me this year survive the holidays.
1. Online shopping
Last year, I tried online shopping for all my gifts for the first time, and I loved it. This year back at it again. Shopping online is my savior on saving energy for myself and my body. Save yourself all the stress and anxiety, on waking up early, running from store to store to make sure you find parking and not having to worry about being in long lineups at the cash.
I can’t imagine being in the stores, with all the chaos and trying to figure out what gifts to get for everyone on my list. Don’t forget to take advantage of any gift wrapping services provided online. Any way that I can save on spoons is a big plus.
2. Prepare in advance
I use to be a last-minute person and procrastinate leaving me stressed out, making my body tenser, increasing pains, and big chances of getting a flare-up. Preparing in advance for me is very crucial. Prepare a list of things you need to do in advance. Even if you have to start as early as the month of November.
I like to write a plan down that I can do little by little, in small steps, instead of everything last minute and all together. It can get very overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to expect with a chronic illness.
3. Don’t forget to listen to your body
We can be on the go, go, go, during the holidays and forget to listen to our bodies. I know I am guilty on that part. When I have good days, sometimes I forget to stop and take a step back. When I don’t listen to my body and overdo it, it can lead to days after being in a bad flare, and then who knows how many days it will take back to feeling better.
That’s all you need is during the holidays in a flare, not being able to enjoy with your family, because you overdid it, on the days before. Listen to your body and what it needs. It will need it the most during this time of year. The weather changing, getting colder. You will need more rest. You will need to hydrate and nourish your body with better nutrients. Don’t forget to also take your medication needed to keep going.
4. It’s ok to say no
You heard me right. It’s ok to say the word no. It is ok to do what is best for you, as it is your holiday also. You deserve to do what makes you happy, comfortable and what is best for you. This means even if you have to say no to some invitations or to family and friends. It is ok if you rather spend the holidays doing something small. This year I plan to stay home with my family, in my own space where I can control how I feel and still have a good time.
5. Try to keep your usual routine
A change in routine can bring on additional unwanted stress. Try to follow the same routine that you have been doing, every day. I know it can be so easy to get off routine when around friends and family. But for me I can easily forget that who I am now is different than my before.
When I am around family and friends it can easily bring on old patterns and encourage behaviors from before. It can trigger my emotions of depression and feeling invalidated. This is why for me it is important to spend it with family and friends that understand who I am now and accept me, instead of having to explain the why's. It is my holiday also and like I said, I want to remember it as joyful and memorable as possible.
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