The holiday season is a great time to come together with friends and family, but it can also be highly stressful. Understanding how to keep holiday stress to a minimum is critical if you are coping with a serious illness or grieving during the holidays. Even your favorite traditions can often lose their appeal if you are worried about your health or if someone you love is dealing with health problems.
Holiday stress is even more magnified for many people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These social gatherings for the holidays may be limited, which only increases the feeling of isolation and sadness. Understanding a few holiday stress tips is vital in developing an effective coping mechanism during these uncertain times. Keeping a few helpful tips in mind is essential if you or a loved one is battling cancer during the holidays.
Cancer and the Holidays – Holiday Stress Tips
Trying to eliminate holiday stress isn’t possible, but you can follow a few different tips to help you improve your well-being during the holiday season. These tips are relatively simple but can make a powerful impact on coping with a serious illness during the holidays.
Don’t Be Afraid to Express Your Feelings.
One of the first steps in managing holiday stress is to permit yourself to express your feelings. Letting your emotions out will help you release tension, whether joy, sadness, fear, or pain. Taking the time to feel and express your feelings is key in processing these feelings and helping you feel better about yourself.
Take Care of Your Body and Mind.
Another simple tip is to take care of your body and mind during the holidays. Spending at least 20 minutes each day exercising can help boost your mood, whether you are going for a walk, riding a bike, or any other physical activity. Eating balanced meals is also key to helping you manage the stress of the holiday season.
Make Time for a Hobby.
Doing things you enjoy is another simple yet highly effective way to improve your mental health. These hobbies can be wide-ranging, whether you love reading books, spending time in nature, watching sports, catching up on your favorite TV shows, or playing video games.
Ask for Support.
Trying to do everything on your own isn’t easy, especially if you are coping with cancer during the holidays. Asking for help from friends or family members can help you reduce your stress levels while you prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Reaching out to a trusted friend is also essential if you are grieving a loved one during the holidays.
Enjoy Simple Pleasures.
Allowing yourself to experience simple pleasures in life is a great way to reduce stress. Maybe you need to take a warm bath to relax at the end of the day or a quick nap in the afternoon. Eating one of your favorite meals or watching the sunset can also uplift your mood while giving you a break from holiday stress.
Stay On Budget.
Shopping online is a fast and simple way to purchase gifts for your loved ones. However, it’s a good idea to stick with your budget to avoid overspending, which will only create more stress. You can often find numerous deals this time of year.
Learn to Say No.
Many people make the simple mistake of trying to do everything, which is the perfect recipe for stress during the holidays. Learning how to say no is key to saving yourself time and helping you to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Making time for yourself is especially important if you are coping with a serious illness.
Prepare Ahead of Time.
Waiting until the final minute to complete a task is always a stressful experience. Preparing ahead of time is a great way to avoid stress, whether you need to finish your shopping list, decorate your home, or decide which food dish to bring to a Christmas party. Working with friends or family members to help you plan ahead of time is also a great way to spend time with each other.
Grieving a Loved One During the Holidays.
The holiday season is often a difficult time of the year for anyone that’s lost a loved one. These celebrations can often bring back many memories, as it’s a good idea to follow a few holiday stress tips. Giving yourself the additional freedom to feel your emotions is essential, whether it’s pain or sadness. You can practice many different coping mechanisms, whether it’s getting support from loved ones, giving yourself a break, or spending time on a hobby. These various activities can make the holiday season more manageable, whether you are coping with a serious illness or grieving during the holidays.