Body/mind effected by high stress of the holiday season?

Just in the past two days, I have seemed to have an extremely high level of stress.  You know, I have the money to buy all the gifts but my mind is struggling to get everything straight and balance the shopping and bills. It feels like I can't relax, even by taking my Ativan.  The result is constant anxiety and I can hardly handle the littlest things.  Yesterday I noticed my back and neck started hurting way worse than usual.  I am starting to wonder if my pain is caused by stress.  Or maybe it is just overactive nerves.  Is anyone else dealing with a similar issue?

[dustybrown]

Stress exacerbates the pain and fatigue of fibro/cfs. It makes sense that you would be experiencing more anxiety than usual right now because it's the holidays. Take some time out for yourself. Buy yourself a gift. Take a bubble bath. Go to the gym and sit in the hot tub. A lot of gyms have inexpensive day passes. I know the one up the road from me costs 10 bucks and I can sit in the hot tub, swim in the pool and use their facilities. Talk to your doctor if you need to about adjusting your meds. Those are just a few ideas I have for reducing some stress. I hope it helps.

[mommyandwife]

Thanks so much for the tips.  I have been home with my two little ones too.  I would love the opportunity for a time out.  I will see if I can get someone to watch them to take a break.

[concerned621]

I use to feel exactly what you described. I have FM.  Then in 2005 my mother died.  It kind of changed or re-prioritized things for me in a way that might help you.  The season is not about gifts and running to the stores and trying to be everything to everyone.  I live in Seattle. Today 4 policeman were remembered.  Last week they were sitting in a coffee shop getting ready for their shift.  A man walked in and pretended like he was ordering coffee.  He turned around and shot and killed 4 police officers, 3 men and 1 woman. Between them they left behind 9 children, husband, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers.  I have never seen this city in such a state of sadness. In the 20 years that I've lived here things like that don't happen here.  My mind keeps going to their families when I get overwhelmed thinking about Christmas.  
So please make time your gift this year. Your family loves you I am sure. They know you must suffer with CFS or FM.  Give them the gift of YOU.  Bless them this season with your love and your time.  Tell them all how much they mean to you.  Because you have the gift to still be here with them.  You and I have that gift and I plan on and really have tried to bring my focus back to that when I get off track and forget what this time of year is really about.  So best wishes for the holiday and be easy on your self.  You are loved.