The holiday season can be highly stressful, especially when you have cancer. Learn how to have a low stress, high energy holiday season in these eight simple steps.
1. Know Your Limits and Stick by Them
The holidays bring parties, "get-togethers", and other social occasions. Although they can be fun and enjoyable, too much can leave you tired, stressed, and simply burned out. Try to prioritize your holiday social schedule early on, even it means having to decline invitations or going to certain events. Friends and family will understand that rest is much more important during treatment than having an overwhelming holiday social schedule.
2. Avoid Crowds by Online Holiday Shopping
Steve Woods
Buying gifts for friends and family is cinch with online shopping. By shopping online, you save time and energy by not having to stand in long lines, gift wrapping, and then shipping. It also allows you to choose gifts in the comforts of your own home and even in a hospital bed! Wi-Fi service is now offered at many medical centers for admitted patients and their families for free or a small charge.
3. Give Gift Cards
Ann Kathrin Rehse
Not up to shopping online or don't have the time or energy to pick out the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Don't fear - gift cards are the perfect present for those on your holiday list! They can be purchased online or at retail stores in just about every denomination. Simply place the gift card in a holiday card and you have the perfect gift for recipients of all ages!
4. Holiday Decorating is a Cinch When You Ask for Help
Kiel Latham
Holiday decorating can be exhausting! Climbing up and down ladders to hang decorations, trimming a tree, or placing decoration around the home can leave you with little energy to do anything else. Asking family and friends to help is one of the best ways that you can save energy and have a beautifully decorated home for the holidays. Another great way to decorate the exterior of your home is by hiring a contractor to handle outdoor decorations. Many home contractors will string lights ands set up other outdoor decorations. Check your local yellow pages or local builders association for reputable contractors.
5. Have Your Holiday Meal Catered
A catered meal is a great way of celebrating the holidays, but without all the work. When many people think of catering, they believe it will expensive. This is not true! Many local supermarkets will prepare a complete holiday meal for under $50. Better yet, some supermarkets will deliver the holiday feast as well. [br][br]Traditional catering is also an option, but may be more expensive than catering from a supermarket. You may have more menu choices and the catering company may even take away the dirty dishes!
6. Rest When You Need It
Nur Cengiz
One mistake many make is to not rest often enough. Cancer patients need to rest often, especially during the holidays, when stress is high. Learn to recognize when you need to rest, take the time, and try not to delay this much-needed respite.
7. Make a Holiday Budget
Steve Woods
It's easy to overspend during the holidays. This can result in financial stress, which can be the most difficult to resolve and cope with. Create a budget and pledge to stick by it.
8. Remember that the Holidays Only Come Once a Year
Aron Kremer
Take time to enjoy the holiday season. Focus on the current holiday season, not previous ones where you could be more active. It is important not to compare or dwell on what you can and can't do this season. By following this tips, you will be able to enjoy the holiday season with less stress and more energy.
