December 18, 2024
Holidays can be stressful under the best circumstances. When cancer treatment is added to the mix, normal holiday stress can become unbearable.
Here are some Dos and Don’ts from the American Cancer Society for making your merriment more manageable this holiday season.
Do:
- Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings, whether of joy, fear, sadness, or pain. Let yourself laugh or cry.
- Take care of yourself. Eat balanced meals and make time for some exercise. Physical activity is a good way to release tension.
- Allow yourself simple pleasures – hot baths, naps, favorite foods – that will help lift your mood.
- Find distractions like going to a movie, dinner, or a ball game, playing cards with friends, or other activities you enjoy.
- Prepare for the holidays. Decide if you want to continue certain traditions or create new ones. Plan in advance how you want to spend your time, with whom, and for how long.
- Enlist support for organizing holiday gatherings, meal preparation, and cleanup.
- Learn to say no. You don’t have to participate in everything. People will understand if you can’t do certain activities.
Don’t:
- Don’t pressure yourself with unrealistic expectations or try to do everything yourself.
- Don’t overindulge in alcohol. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can “bring out” or heighten bad feelings.
- Don’t try to force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
- Don’t shop ‘til you drop. Stick to a budget if you are going shopping. Buying things will not make up for any negative feelings you are having. Decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Then stick to your budget.
- Don’t try to do too much in one day. Plan ahead, setting aside specific days for specific tasks.
- Don’t abandon healthy habits. Eat and drink in moderation. Get plenty of sleep.
If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with cancer and need information about cancer treatment, or any other questions, please contact Austin CyberKnife today. Our commitment extends beyond medical expertise. We strive to create a compassionate environment where every patient feels valued and supported throughout their journey, providing advanced treatments with kindness and care.