Having a chronic illness isn’t exactly the most fun thing any time of the year, but it can be particularly challenging during the holidays on both emotional and physical levels.  But if you use the advice below, you can enjoy the holidays just as much as anyone else — chronic illness or not.

The holidays can be stressful for anyone, but using the tips below will help you enjoy the holidays while managing your chronic illness.

Expect Health Challenges

Most of us experience some challenges to our healthy lifestyles during the holidays, but those challenges can have more severe consequences when you’re dealing with a chronic illness.  Don’t bury your head in the sand so that you’re caught off-guard when you’re faced with a challenge.  If you can expect a challenge, you can prepare for it.

But Don’t Abandon Your Health Priorities

Knowing going in that you’re going to have to face a challenge can help you make a decision that supports your health — whether that means avoiding a holiday get-together where you’ll be too tempted to eat foods that cause flare-ups or simply taking steps in advance to ensure a successful trip to a gathering a ways away.

You can’t ignore the fact that you have a chronic illness during the holidays, but you can work with the knowledge you have about managing it to ensure you’ve got the best chance of enjoying time with your family and friends rather than nursing a flare-up.

Watch Out for Stress

The holidays are a fun time, but they can also add extra stress thanks to holiday shopping and busy schedules with extra activities.  Remember to take time for yourself.  Stress exacerbates the symptoms of many chronic illnesses, so it’s important to put an emphasis on taking care of yourself.  Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to requests that don’t bring you joy or that could put your health in jeopardy.

Make a Holiday Bucket List

Just because you have a chronic illness doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate and enjoy the holidays as much as anyone else.  Take the time to make yourself a holiday bucket list of activities that are “friendly” for your particular lifestyle.  Schedule time with friends and family to mark some items off the list, and make it a yearly tradition.

Take Time for Yourself During Treatments at IVX Health

There’s nothing relaxing about dealing with a chronic illness during the holidays, but receiving treatment can be a different story altogether at IVX Health.   We offer appointments that fit your schedule (days, evenings and weekends) in a spa-like environment custom-designed to help you actually enjoy your time while receiving treatment.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy some time to yourself or give the relaxation response method a try!

If you’re ready to experience the difference, give us a call at either of our two convenient locations in Lee’s Summit at 816-272-0174 or Overland Park at 913-948-2020.  We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more satisfying life during the holidays and beyond.