Holiday Coping Tips

The latest issue of MS Perspectives arrived full of tips on how to relieve stress over the holidays -
I wish I could reprint the entire article here - but you can at least get some ideas from the headlines....

Have Realistic Expectations - we can't change that we have MS, so we may have to change those holiday traditions to fit our situation.  Focus on the present and not our past and what we used to do,  and don't fixate on the future.    Stay in the moment.

Create a Plan - prioritize.  shopping lists, precooked foods,  and a general plan will help.  Delegate and let others help.

Burnout - don't ignore the signs that your body needs a break and you are doing too much.  We all know what our bodies are saying - we just have to be smart enough to listen to the chatter.

Conserve your energy---- sit insteand of stand when possible. don't over heat in the kitchen with the oven on; fatty and rich foods can cause constipation so try not to overindulge.  Nap and rehydrate regularly to make it through the days ahead.


Anyone else have tips to share?  
Lulu

[Sumanadevii]

Never be afraid to say "I need help".  Never hesitate to say "I need to rest" and slip off for a short nap.  

For those with large families that will invade your space for weeks, speak up.  Hey, "pick up those water bottles and drinks spread from one end of the house to the other!". I have found that they all are willing to cooperate but get busy playing and visiting they tend to forget, I can't do it all anymore.  They are very generous when asked so don't expect them to read our minds.  

[sllowe]

7.)  Don't be afraid to break some traditions.
8.)  Sit on the couch w/a bowl of decadence, favorite movie and don't feel guilty.
9.)  Make a plan for those around you stay in jammies ALL day long. And, pray for lots of snow!

[Lulu54]

I heartily agree with all of those suggestions - hopefully others here will heed these words of wisdom and not make themselves crazy trying to craft the *perfect* Christmas.  

be well, Lulu

[Sparkysarah]

Thanks for this...it is very easy to just continue to try and maintain family traditions, possibly in an attempt to recreate childhood memories. I am not very good at delegating but intend to ask for more help this year from all the family who are very good at sleeping, eating and lazing around. I shall join in and when evening meal times arrive and I hear "What's for supper Mum" I shall point them in the direction of the fridge!!

Love Sarah xxx

[drsdonthelp]

I was able to stay stress free from all of the shopping craziness, by doing all of my shopping online! It makes it so much more enjoyable to receive my gifts at the front door instead of lugging it in and out of the car.
I didn't have to leave my house for any gifts at all and kept my Christmas spirit alive!!
Love to all,
Pamela

[Lulu54]

I'm no good at following my own advice - I just made myself worn out by baking two more kinds of cookies this morning.  At least I can sit down to decorate the sugar cookies!

[HVAC]

Stay drunk and if you can't drink do what I do and have no expectations what so ever. That way if good things happen it is a pleasant surprised if they don't it is just another day.

We do not have money so shopping was really easy, we did not do it. I do not feel cheated not buying into the commercialism.

We are not spending Xmas with family and being uncomfortable on both sides that is just silly.

This Xmas is the most low key and happiest in memory. I like Xmas, I keep it in my heart through out the year. I make things for people and help them out all year not adhering to day some one chose.

I am off to make food for Xmas eve.

God Bless us Everyone.

Alex