Surviving the Holidays With Chronic Illness

The holidays can be a challenging time for anyone, but if you have a chronic illness, it can be overwhelming for many reasons. The seasons change, and the holidays come with different expectations and societal pressures. Many individuals with chronic illnesses are also concerned about the various viruses that can make this time of year even more isolating. Keep reading if you want my top tips for surviving the holidays with chronic illness.

I love the holidays and would say that Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love that it is a holiday focused on gathering with family and creating new traditions. As a child, I can remember the magic of hearing Santa on the roof and seeing that he bought the ring I asked him to get for my mom. I love that it is a time to get cozy on the couch and that there are quiet moments to ponder all that you are grateful for.

The holidays lost a bit of their magic when I was diagnosed with lupus. I was only 14, but I could feel the privilege of not having to worry about what I could and could not do vanish from me. It never fails; I am almost always flaring or sick during the holiday season. There are many reasons why this occurs, and I will share my tips on managing the holidays with a chronic illness.

Photo by Jessica Fadel on Unsplash

IMPLEMENT REST DAYS

Enforcing rest days into your weekly schedule during the holidays is a must. Take some time to sit down and map out what you want to participate in this holiday. Adding rest days into your schedule opens up more opportunities to partake in other events because you are less likely to throw yourself into a flare. It can be challenging to do only some things, but prioritizing your health is the most critical step to being able to participate in the first place.  

SET BOUNDARIES

Boundaries can be challenging to set, especially if your family and friends don’t understand how difficult it is to live with a chronic illness. Don’t attend that event if you are not feeling up to it. It is okay to say no when you are in a rough patch or if you know attending will only make you feel worse or put you at high risk. Establish expectations early on by writing your closest family and friends about your concerns regarding the holidays. 

PLAN AHEAD

Some of us host at our houses, which can be draining—plan by creating a schedule that is doable for you. Create a document that lines out the tasks you want to complete before the event approaches. Better yet, delegate tasks to family and friends to help with the stress of all that comes with hosting. Communicating your needs can be challenging, but it will almost always feel better than exhausting your body to the point of no return. 

STAY ON TRACK

It is essential to stick to your routine. Remember to take your medications on time, stick to your usual eating habits, and maintain your sleep schedule. Changing your daily habits can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. Although you may want to do everything, stay focused on how it may make you feel. 

SAY NO TO STRESS

Stress is by far the most significant contributor to flares during the holidays. Don’t stress! If you fall off track, that is okay. We are only human, and setting boundaries for ourselves and others is challenging. I don’t care what anyone says; the holidays are stressful because they come with many expectations. Try to create the traditions that make you feel great! You deserve to have a wonderful holiday.

For those of you who have loved ones with a chronic illness, thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. It is important to be mindful of why your loved one may not participate in all holiday festivities. I promise it hurts them just as much as it does for you when they cannot attend.

If you are living with a chronic illness, I hope you can enjoy the holidays. What are some of your favorite traditions to participate in? 

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