Coping with cancer during the holidays is no easy task. Even when perfectly healthy, we’ve all felt the stress of the season at one point or another. So, adding that weight to an already burdensome cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to help manage your emotions. In this article, we’ll share 12 tips to help you cope with cancer during the holidays.
1. Make a plan
They don’t call it the “hustle and bustle” of the holidays for nothing. It’s easy for anyone to feel overwhelmed with everything they want to accomplish this time of year. Cancer patients are already dealing with a slew of emotions, so having a plan can make a big difference. Write down what you want to do, how you plan to do it, and when you want to do it. Try limiting yourself to the most important activities and consider scheduling them at times when you typically have the most energy.
2. Pace yourself
When you’re making that plan, remember that this isn’t your typical holiday season. You are coping with cancer. With that in mind, take it easy. Slow down and let yourself breathe. When things on your to-do list start making you feel anxious, remember – your well-being is a top priority. Allow yourself to ask for help if needed.
3. Have a support system
Speaking of asking for help, these are the people who can lend it. Close friends, family members, co-workers – whoever it may be. They may not know exactly what you need, but they will gladly step up if you ask them for help with something specific. These are the people you can count on to be there for you when you need a listening ear. Make a list of the people in your support system and keep it close by so it’s there when you need it.
4. Go online
From grocery delivery to virtual hangouts with long-distance relatives, technological advances have a lot of benefits . As someone coping with cancer during the holidays, take advantage of these technologies to make your life less stressful. Shop online for Christmas gifts. You can even have them gift wrapped and delivered straight to the recipient. Consider sending e-cards to your loved ones, too. It will save you time, energy, and a trip to the post office.
5. Set a budget
It’s easy to get excited during the gift-giving season and, before you know it, you’ve overspent. Cancer patients are often already dealing with financial stressors like medical bills, insurance claims, and transportation and lodging expenses for treatment. To avoid adding to that financial stress, determine how much money you can comfortably spend and stick to that budget. Also, keep in mind it’s okay to ask your friends and family to forgo a gift exchange this year. Your support system wants you to do what’s best for you, and they will be happy to help however they can.
6. Start new traditions
It can sometimes be tough for cancer patients to keep with all the usual holiday traditions. Remember, it’s alright to pass up on some of them. It’s also okay to start some new ones! Virtual caroling with your church choir or family video chats with your cousins across the country can make for some great memories. And at the same time, you’ll conserve some valuable energy to help in coping with cancer during the holidays.
7. Prepare for the uncomfortable
Whether you’re gathering with family in-person or hopping online to chat with them, you’re probably going to see people you haven’t talked to in a while. If you’ve had changes in your physical appearance, such as weight fluctuation or hair loss, prepare them ahead of time. You can even try to anticipate uncomfortable questions they may ask and have pre-written answers ready to go.
8. It’s OK to say “No”
The holiday season can often come with quite a few invitations that require some level of social interaction. Remember that it is okay to decline. Don’t feel guilty or obligated to do it all. Your friends, family, and social network will understand and support your decision.
9. Watch your nutrition
The holidays are filled with sweet temptations. As a cancer patient, you’re already in a situation where a balanced diet is important, so try to limit sugary foods and alcohol. It may help to plan your meals to avoid splurging. If you’re going to a holiday gathering of some kind, try eating ahead of time so you’re not as hungry at the event.
10. ‘Tis the season of giving
While it’s important to practice good self-care and prioritize your own well-being, studies have shown that helping others makes us feel better. Look for opportunities in your area to lend a helping hand. Things like food, toy, and clothing drives, or even something as simple as donating a dollar to charity at the checkout line, can help put you in a better mood.
11. Live in the moment
Allow yourself to feel happy and enjoy holiday traditions and time spent with family and friends. If you find yourself feeling sad or overwhelmed at a time when you’d normally be happy, step back and take a few moments to yourself. It’s important not to stifle those feelings, so take some time to reflect and acknowledge them.
12. Feeling sad is OK
Along those same lines, don’t ever feel guilty or ashamed when you start feeling sad or overwhelmed. Sadness, anxiety, and grief are all normal emotions for cancer patients at any time of year, so don’t feel the need to mask them or “put on a happy face” just because it’s the holidays. Understanding and expressing your feelings is an important part of coping with cancer during the holidays.
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