Prioritizing Self Care When Coping with A Chronic Illness During the Holidays

Posted: December 4, 2024

The holidays can be a magical time, but no amount of magic can render one immune to the season’s inevitable ups and downs. Emotional stress and fatigue run side by side with feelings of extreme joy and togetherness– the dueling emotions that drive your sleigh during the holidays can be difficult to navigate. On Exhaustion, on Joy, on Happiness, on Dread– on Isolation, on Stress, on Gratitude, on, well you get the picture. Keeping yourself on course can be a challenge, but when you are managing a chronic illness it is even harder to see through the fog. Through the course of your chronic illness journey, you’ve already realized life isn’t a sing-along holiday song– and a red-nosed reindeer isn’t going to swoop in to help you navigate the cold, dark night. To make it through this holiday season, you need to expand your tools to prioritize your mental health.

Why it is important to prioritize your mental health during the Holidays

No matter what holidays you celebrate, December is a fast-paced month, so it is vital to prioritize health and particularly self-care. Excess stress can weaken the immune system and have a negative effect on your existing symptoms.

It is also important to recognize your triggers that add to your stress during the season. Financial pressure is almost impossible to escape, and when you add in the constant demands on your personal time, strained social interactions, and feelings of inadequacy, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed.

The additional stress can also lead people to lean on potentially harmful stress relievers or unhealthy habits, so finding the best productive tools to manage your mental health is the key to true joy this holiday season.

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Mental Health Tools For the Holidays

Schedule Self-Care and Relaxation

The holidays get busy. If you already have a busier schedule managing your chronic illness the holidays can put you over the top, finding time to slow down and recharge is imperative for your wellness. Set aside actual time for relaxation– put it in your calendar, and don’t ignore the reminder when it comes up. Read a good book, schedule a massage, take a nightly bath, go on a walk, create a routine of relaxation that can support your health and counteract your emotional triggers.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries when you are coping with a chronic illness is vital, but it is even more so important during the holidays. While this time of the year is all about togetherness, it’s okay to turn down some invitations or events. You may be used to being the life of all the Christmas festivities– but it is possible to find a new way for you to engage in the spirit– at a level that protects both your physical and mental well being.

Listen to your Body

Try not to push it. The holidays are full of shopping days that don’t end and parties that go into the cold night– even at your peak physical condition the long days can take their toll. Be careful not to take on the “keep swimming” mentality. When your body says it needs a break, listen– take the time, it will be good for your body and your mind. Make sure to continue tracking your vitals and health statistics, and take your medication or treatments as recommended by your doctor. It’s easy to let things go when you are busy, but staying consistent will help with your mood and is vital for managing your chronic illness.

Connect with Others

Sometimes the most joyous part of the holidays can be the most taxing. Family is a key component of the joyful season, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you experience social anxiety or have a contentious family situation. These can be even more complicated when your chronic illness seems to prohibit you from enjoying or participating in the holidays the way you once did– or worse you may have family overcompensating for your condition and making you more uncomfortable in the process.

It’s no wonder why sometimes the natural response is to seek isolation. Alternately, for some the holidays are inherently lonely– maybe family is far away or few between– but no matter what is leading to isolation, finding social support is crucial. Look for people who understand your challenges. A chronic illness support group can help make you get connected, without making you feel pandered to.

Talk to a Therapist

Sometimes you just need to get it out– but during the holidays when our loved ones could be part of what is adding to your stress, it is important to have an outside perspective. At Shift Healing our team will do more than be that caring ear to listen, we can help you identify your holiday triggers and find tools to ensure you continue to prioritize mental wellness, even in the busiest of seasons.

Therapy for your Chronic Illness in the Denver Area

At Shift Healing, we will help you learn how to find the joy of the season, no matter how different it might look in the face of your chronic illness. Taking the time to practice self care and seeking support for your mental health can help you redefine holiday traditions around your new life– and allow you to celebrate the way that is best for you. If you are ready to connect with therapy for your chronic illness challenges, connect with Shift Healing today.

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