Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Cathy
Holidays are right around the corner and it’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. But it can also be the most stressful. For those who struggle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), they know all too well that stress is not your friend.
Most people feel stressed out around the holidays. With the extra expectations of having a perfect holiday. It’s also a time to pick up old eating habits – eating gluten, refined sugar, and lots of alcohol. While stress can leave everyone run-down and worn out, stress can also bring on a flare. Unless you learn how to relax, say no, and stop caving into your cravings you’ll regret it later making you feel worse.
The trick is to plan ahead! Know what triggers your stress and plan ahead. If it’s an annoying family member or friend you need to set boundaries with them. Explain to them it’s for your health and no other explanation, most people will understand. It’s impossible to avoid all stress but it’s how you react to the stress that makes a difference.
I know this all too well, stress is what set me back many years ago. Today, I work really hard to manage my stress through deep breathing and meditation. I don’t let things bother me or dwell on things like I used to and it has made a huge difference.
Continue to exercise! Exercising produces endorphins which are your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters. Get good quality sleep, lack of sleep leads to fatigue, and brain fog, and it weakens your immune system.
How To Reduce Holiday Stress
1 – Make a To-Do List
Making a to-do list for each day helps keep you organized and it keeps you from adding too many tasks at once. I like to add everything onto my smartphone, that way it’s with me everywhere I go.
2 – Learn to Say No
It’s so easy to get caught up with the season and start volunteering with too many projects. Yes, it’s a time of giving but you need to take care of yourself first, you’re no good to anyone if you’re not feeling well.
3 – Eat Before You Leave
Eat first before heading out to a party or shopping. Then you won’t be tempted into eating something that’s processed. Keep healthy snacks all around you, in your purse, car, and/or desk. You don’t want to feel deprived when someone brings in a big plate of homemade treats. Here are some quick healthy snack ideas to carry with you.
4 – Shop Online
Have you tried online shopping? It is so convenient from the comfort of your home. No need to stand in long lines or be stuck at a traffic light that feels like forever. Many stores have “Pre-Black Friday Sales” so you can get good deals before Thanksgiving. And, don’t forget the good deals on “Cyber Monday” following Thanksgiving.
5 – Pace Yourself
Pace yourself, between shopping, traffic & holiday parties it can get pretty hectic.
6 – Simple Ingredients
Look for recipes with the smallest amount of ingredients. They will be easier recipes to prepare. Look for recipes online or in cookbooks. Check out your library for cookbooks before you buy them to see if it’s something you would use.
7 – Traveling
During the holiday season, you’re either the one having company over or you’re traveling. No matter which way it is, it’s stressful! If you’re traveling by air, train, or bus, reserve an aisle seat near a bathroom so you can get to it more easily and quickly.
Going through airports for the average person is stressful enough. For those with disabilities, it’s even worse. Dealing with medications, walking aids, and wheelchairs is tough. It’s not only the airport security but people getting mad and frustrated because we’re moving too slowly!
If you’re traveling by car plan on bathroom breaks or stretching your legs. Many people with MS suffer from stiffness, so make sure you schedule rest breaks so you can get out and move.
8 – Plan Ahead
Some medications need refrigeration. Find out how long your medication can go without staying cold. Make sure at your final destination you will have access to a refrigerator.
Keep your doctor’s phone number on your person in case of an emergency. If flying carry a note from your doctor of all medications to get through airport security. Keep your medications in their original containers.
9 – Exercise
Exercise is a great stress reliever. Take a walk, ride your stationary bike, yoga, stretching, or deep breathing.
10 – Ask for Help
Living with MS can be challenging, save yourself the stress and frustration and ask for help. No one is capable of doing it all, and you shouldn’t expect yourself to do it all.
11 – Unwind
Find time to unwind, sometimes it’s hard with all the distractions of electronics around us. Take some time off from all electronics, no email, Facebook, Twitter, or surfing the net. Try to spend at least 15 minutes a day with no distractions, take some deep breaths and relax.
12 – Get Quality Sleep
Fatigue is the most common and disabling symptom of MS, it’s so important to take care of yourself and not skip on sleep. Even a couple of hours of lost sleep weakens the immune system. Sleep helps maintain healthy immune and brain function.
13 – Relax
Don’t try to be perfect and overdo it during the holidays, sometimes it’s those mishaps that we cherish the most.
14 – Know Your Limitations
Know your limitations and don’t overdo yourself with too many tasks, MS can strike at any time. Stress is a part of life, the trick is learning how to cope with it by taking care of yourself first. Pay attention to your body’s warning signs and slow down, you don’t need an MS flare.
Concentrate on the Positive
Instead of concentrating on the negative concentrate on the positive. Lower your expectations of the perfect holiday. Sometimes unexpected events make the best memories. Remember to continue to eat well, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. Also, laugh, listen to music, or watch some of your favorite old holiday movies. Learn to relax and have a good time.
A Quick Recap:
- Make a to-do list
- Learn to say no
- Eat first before going out
- Online shopping
- Pace yourself
- Easy Recipes
- Prepare for traveling
- Medications
- Exercise
- Ask for help
- Find time to unwind
- Fatigue
- Don’t try to be perfect
- Know your limitations
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