Surviving the Holidays with Chronic Illness

Christmas is approaching and any busy holiday, party, or event usually becomes a huge stressor for those with chronic illness. Here are some ways to survive the holidays with chronic illness!

1. Accept your limitations. It's ok to admit you can't do as much as the average person this season. It's better if you can accept the limitations instead of fighting them or trying to prove that you can do it all.

2. Take breaks. Look for opportunities to rest. Resting may help you make it through a busy day better than pushing til you crash hard. Even if taking a nap isn't an option, backing away from the middle of the crowd into a corner that's a little quieter may help. Be creative!

3. Look for ways to focus on others. As you spend time with family and friends, ask someone else to tell you how they’re doing and what’s going on in their life. Let them talk for a while and focus on them. Or find a child to play with or an elderly family member to sit by. Focusing on others helps from being consumed with your symptoms.

4. Don’t commit. As much as possible, don’t commit! Not to parties or events or outings. Learn to say no to as much as you can, and then participate in the things as you are able or feeling up to it. This takes off a layer of stress that amplifies symptoms.

5. Don't stress over questions. You know you'll get questions from well-meaning family and friends about how you're doing, how treatment is going, or perhaps get some unwanted health advice. Learn to take those with grace and not worry about answering perfectly when people ask! It's ok to be general, but honest.

6. Don't lose hope. It is super discouraging to have your pain and limitations stare you in the face as everyone else enjoys the busyness and fun. You may be unable to do the things you desperately want to do! Take heart: remember that your illness is temporary. God is with you and He understands your pain and limitations (Heb. 4:15). Cry out to Him and ask Him to renew your hope.

Bonus! For those who have a friend or family member with chronic illness, here are a few ways to help:

• Allow them to rest. Don’t pressure them to be involved in every game or activity or help with preparations or cleanup. They're not being lazy, sometimes they need quiet or a break. Sensory overload, pain, and fatigue exhaust a person. Be grateful that they made it.
• Don't overload them with questions. Be gentle and kind in your questions. Take interest, but don’t overload them with questions about how their healing process is going; it may be very discouraging to them! 
• Don’t say, “You look like you’re feeling better!” This is one of the most unhelpful things you can tell someone with invisible illness, as usually how they look on the outside is not a very good indicator of how they actually feel. Chronic illness sufferers also become very adept at "faking" looking well, as it is the only way they can keep going.
• Consider what they can eat. Many people with chronic illness have limited diets, and the holidays can be stressful simply because you have to think about what will be available for you on top of the chaos of the day. Ask them what they can eat and provide a few options for them. They will be eternally grateful!