| Coping with chronic illness on any day can be quite | | | | exercise. |
| challenging, throw a holiday in the mix and you | | | | Avoid sugar and unhealthy snacks. These will only |
| sometimes have a recipe for something not so | | | | exacerbate symptoms and aggravate depression. |
| delicious. | | | | Make your own healthy alternative snacks |
| Although the holidays are supposed to be full of | | | | sweetened with fruit, agave, yacon syrup, stevia |
| joy and happiness, this is not always the case. | | | | or other healthy sweeteners. |
| They can also be stressful and overwhelming | | | | Take these snacks with you when you go to |
| even for the average folk, and for those living | | | | social events. Find alternatives to eat, don't go |
| with chronic illness, it can add more stress and | | | | without so that you feel deprived. |
| strain to an already overburdened body and push | | | | Allow extra time to prepare for social events. |
| your coping skills to the limit. | | | | Don't take on too much. |
| Instead of visions of Sugar Plums dancing in your | | | | Avoid crowds; shop early. Make some homemade |
| head, the holidays can be a time when feelings of | | | | gifts or give gift certificates or take advantage of |
| dread, depression, sadness, loneliness, and anxiety | | | | catalogs and online shopping. |
| pervade. Having chronic illness can accentuate | | | | Acknowledge and be aware of your feelings. You |
| these unpleasant feelings. You may be reminded | | | | don't have to feel a certain a way. Allow yourself |
| of holidays in the past before you were ill and | | | | to feel whatever it is you feel. |
| long for the days of yesteryear. Television, books | | | | If you're feeling sad, allow yourself to grieve. |
| and movies etc. set us up with unrealistic | | | | Take naps. |
| expectations of the way the holidays are | | | | Don't set expectations too high. Your holiday |
| supposed to play out and when it doesn't unfold | | | | doesn't have to be perfect. |
| like this in our own lives, it leaves us disappointed | | | | Prioritize and minimize. Don't overdue. |
| and yearning for something more. | | | | Communicate your needs and feelings to others. |
| There is a great deal of pressure from society to | | | | Don't forget to give yourself a gift. (A massage, |
| join the rat race, but don't allow yourself to be | | | | book, extra time in bed or something special |
| caught in the hype. It only builds you up and then | | | | you've wanted for a long time,) |
| gives you a huge let down. | | | | There is no doubt that coping with chronic illness |
| Here are a few tips to make it all a little easier: | | | | through the holidays is challenging, but if you slow |
| Remember giving doesn't have to be expensive | | | | it down, remember what's important and be good |
| or materialistic. Gifts from the heart are often | | | | to yourself, you can get through it a little easier. |
| cherished even more. Give of yourself. Share | | | | Create new holiday traditions that are nurturing, |
| intimate quality time with loved ones. | | | | allow yourself to indulge in something delicious, yet |
| Keep things simple. Remember that the holidays | | | | still healthy, like Coconut Bliss ice cream, apple pie |
| are really about giving, loving and being thankful. | | | | sweetened with chicory root or organic popcorn |
| Cherish and enjoy your precious moments with | | | | and savor your moments with your loved ones, |
| loved ones. | | | | then you might find that you'll actually look |
| Prepare and plan ahead. | | | | forward to the holidays next year. |
| Get lots of clean air, pure water, rest, and | | | | |