For many people, the holidays are a time to come together with family and friends, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories. But for those living with chronic pain, the holiday season can bring more stress, fatigue, and discomfort. Managing chronic pain during this busy time of the year can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to take care of yourself and still enjoy the festivities.
The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time filled with gatherings, merriment, and warmth. Unfortunately, for those suffering from chronic pain, this season can be difficult and challenging. The cold weather, increased activity, and change in routine can exacerbate their pain. This makes it important for those dealing with chronic pain to prioritize self-care and pain management during this time of year. In this blog post, we will share five tips from Patient Advocates on how to manage chronic pain and make the most of the holiday season.
At Patient Advocate Match, we understand the struggle of navigating healthcare and wellness, especially during the holidays. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to manage chronic pain and find a healthcare professional who can support you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five tips to help you navigate the holiday season with ease and comfort.
We hope these tips can help keep chronic pain under control and make the holidays more manageable, enjoyable, and memorable. Read our Blog Post now to know more
1. Make a Plan: Before the holiday rush begins, make a plan for the festivities. This might include setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and taking breaks as needed. Communicate your plan with your loved ones, so they understand and can support you. Scheduling rest and relaxation is important, so you don’t overdo it.
Prioritize activities that are most important to you and that you can handle physically. To avoid overexertion, don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities or take breaks when needed. It’s important to have a plan in place for managing your pain, such as bringing medication, heating pads, or ice packs. By planning ahead, you can reduce stress and enjoy the holiday season without added worry.
Simplify Holiday Traditions: The holidays often come with many traditions, but it’s okay to simplify them to reduce stress. You can scale down your decorations, opt for simpler meals, or even shop for gifts online instead of going to crowded stores. Don’t feel the pressure to do everything like you have in past years. Instead, do what feels manageable and enjoyable for you.
2. Keep Moving: Motion is Lotion. Lubricate those joints and they will work better. Physical activity is crucial for managing chronic pain, but it can be difficult during the holidays. Try to incorporate gentle exercises like stretching or walking into your routine to keep your body moving and avoid inactivity. Chair yoga can also be a great way to stay active without too much strain on your body. We have included a video with a Free Chair Yoga Session for You.
It may be tempting to stay indoors and avoid the cold, but staying active is crucial for managing chronic pain during the holiday season. Gentle exercises, such as yoga or walking, can improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, which can help alleviate pain and boost your mood. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regime.
3. Eat Well: During the holidays, it’s easy to indulge in delicious foods, but it’s important to be mindful of your nutrition to avoid flare-ups. Sticking to a healthy, balanced diet can help manage chronic pain symptoms. Avoid sugary and fatty foods that can cause inflammation and choose anti-inflammatory foods like fresh fruits, veggies, and lean proteins.
All the carbs and sugar can increase the inflammation in your body and that may cause an exacerbation or increase in your pain. Try and get in your fruits and veggies and enjoy the treats in moderation.
Foods with high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fats can increase inflammation and cause discomfort. Sticking to a healthy and balanced diet will help reduce pain and alleviate other chronic pain symptoms.
4. Self-Care: It’s easy to forget about your self-care routine during the holiday rush, but taking time to care for yourself is essential. Take a relaxing bath, read a book, or get a massage to ease tension and reduce stress. Incorporating meditation or deep breathing exercises can also help calm the mind and manage pain sensations. If meditation is not your thing, even spending some quiet time alone or getting outside can be beneficial. Avoid extremes in cold weather!
It’s important to take care of yourself during the holiday season, especially when dealing with chronic pain. Make sure you get enough rest, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious meals. Take time for yourself by doing activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, knitting, crafts or watching a lighthearted feel good movie. Practicing self-care can reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate chronic pain.
5. Ask for Help: Managing chronic pain can be challenging, particularly during the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, delegate tasks, or ask for assistance from family and friends. Having a support system in place can help reduce stress and fatigue.
The holidays can be an emotionally challenging time, especially when managing chronic pain. Don’t be afraid to seek support from your loved ones or a support group. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can make a big difference in how you cope with pain. At Patient Advocate Match, we help you find a healthcare professional who can provide comprehensive care and support, so you don’t have to face chronic pain alone.
In our directory, Patient Advocate Match, we have several healthcare professionals and health coaches that work with patients with chronic pain. If you feel you would benefit from a little extra 1: 1 help, check out our welcome videos on some of our professionals and see if you feel you might find a match for you.
If need be, talk to your doctor or provider regarding alternative or holistic therapies. My mother-in-law is 89 and has chronic back and leg pain due to 2 inoperable cysts on her spine. She has tried everything the doctor has suggested. Nothing worked. The doctor prescribed an antidepressant often used for chronic pain in the elderly. The neurosurgeon also said it would be ok to try CBD oil. She tried it and it works wonders for her. We are not offering any medical advice here, but the point is if you are suffering maybe discuss with your doctor what “out of the box” types of things that would be safe to try. Make sure you exhaust all options to help you be more comfortable and increase your quality of life. The important thing is that you work closely with your provider to find what options are available for your specific condition and cause of your pain.
Bonus: Practicing Gratitude: Focusing on gratitude can help you shift your mindset and reduce stress during the festive season. Take time to think about the things you are grateful for, such as your health, family, or even the simple pleasures in life. By practicing gratitude, you can reduce stress and increase your overall sense of wellbeing.
Conclusion:
The holiday season can be a difficult time for those living with chronic pain, but with the right plan and support, it’s possible to find comfort and joy during this time of year. At Patient Advocate Match, our mission is to help you manage your health and wellness by connecting you with healthcare professionals who can guide you every step of the way. Remember to take care of yourself, be kind to yourself, and seek help when needed. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season and Happy New Year!
Managing chronic pain during the holiday season can be challenging, but by prioritizing self-care, planning ahead, seeking support, and simplifying holiday traditions, it is possible to reduce stress and enjoy the festivities. By implementing these tips and making self-care a priority, you can make the holidays more enjoyable and memorable.
Thanks for stopping by and spending a few minutes with us here today. We look forward to seeing you back here soon.
Pam Dunwald, R.N. Board-Certified Patient Advocate
Patient Advocate Match-Matching the Right Healthcare Resources for the Right Reasons.
Resources:
Patient Advocate Match Health and Wellness Professionals
Patient Advocate Match Health Advocates and Nurse Advocates Nurse Practitioners
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/navigating-a-chronic-illness-during-the-holidays-202112142658
https://uspainfoundation.org/blog/tips-for-surviving-the-holidays-with-chronic-pain/P
