Avoiding Pain This Holiday Season

Is the stress of the holidays getting to you? Do you hurt as you challenge the shopping crowds and struggle to accomplish all that needs to get done? Are you overdoing it? Here are some suggestions to help you get through the holiday season as comfortably as possible.

• Don't lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. The Christmas holiday was originally designed to celebrate the birth of Christ. It has become a major commercial holiday because people made it that way and retailers have just taken advantage of that.
• Know your budget and stick to it. It is not the gift as much as the thought behind it.
• Look at your schedule both vertically and horizontally and organize it. Do not over-commit yourself. Be sure to leave some time for rest and relaxation. Set priorities...If you can't make all of the parties, select the most important ones and focus on attending them.
• Map out your shopping trips before you leave. Have a good idea what you are looking for and where you need to go to find it...Be sure to build in times to rest. When I go shopping, I plan to stop for a brief refreshment at which time I review my list to determine how things are going and gauge what I still need to do.
• Plan to finish your day with a warm bath or hot shower and rest to help you unwind and avoid any aches and pains from being on your feet too long, or from lifting and lugging packages heavier than you should. Keep your heating pad handy in case you need it and don't be afraid to use it.
• If you are prone to headaches, be sure to eat on schedule and avoid those foods that are migraine triggers. Have a plan in case one hits. It is ok to cut your trips short and go home to rest.
• Delegate some of the chores to lighten your load. If someone you know enjoys wrapping presents, ask them to assist you.
• Encourage potluck dinners with family and friends rather than trying to plan coordinate and prepare full meals and entertainment for groups of people.

These are just some ideas to help you as you go through the holidays. Hoping you have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Indie

Related Topics: Success Over Stress (Video), Chronic Illness and the Holidays