The holidays can be a difficult time when you are living with chronic illness. Even if you are surrounded by people who love you, the emotional and physical stress can be trying. In the first part of this series, we took a look at ways to emotionally cope with having a chronic illness during the holidays. In part two, we will outline ways to manage your healthcare needs while still enjoying this special time. No matter your health insurance policies, there are ways to cope while undergoing treatment.
Part 2: Managing Your Health Needs
While you should talk to your doctor about prioritizing your health, the following are some strategies to use during this particularly busy time of year.
Plan relaxed holiday activities.
If you don’t have the energy to chop down a Christmas tree or build a snowman, that’s perfectly okay. Holiday movie marathons or gift exchange parties might be a better option for you right now. Suggest these gatherings and other low key activities to bond with your loved ones.
Talk to hosts about your dietary needs
Treatment may change your appetite or dietary needs, and this might make large holiday meals less appealing. Talk to the host before a gathering about any restrictions.
Take time to rest
This time of year is busy, but remember to take it easy. This could mean leaving events early or skipping parties altogether sometimes. Give your body time to recharge.
Focus on your strengths
Remember to enjoy what you can do rather than emphasizing what you can’t do. For example, if you have grandchildren, remember that you can spend time reading with them even if you can’t run around with them.
Ask for help
While you are a superhero, you don’t have to do it all. If you usually host a dinner on the first day of Hanukkah, for example, ask someone else to do so this year. It’s okay to change traditions as needed.
Putting yourself first sometimes is all part of retaining a healthy lifestyle while fighting your illness. Just like health insurance policies, self-care goes a long way. By taking care of your physical health, you can get through the holidays using your strengths — not emphasizing your weaknesses.
