The holiday season is upon us. If you’re like me, after a breast cancer diagnosis and completion of treatments, comes a renewed hope that this one will be truly magical. Heck, having battled for our lives, there’s an expectation for ourselves and others that we make the most out of every minute, every day, and every holiday. However, many of us quickly get bogged down in the busyness, stress and old patterns. This is not conducive to optimal health, regardless if you are in treatment now or years past your diagnosis. For our own well-being, things have to change and simplifying life, which includes the holidays, is essential.
Here are 10 ways to turn that dynamic around and create the magic, on YOUR TERMS.
- Give yourself a break. Perfection—even perfect happiness—just isn’t possible. Let your best be good enough. Make a budget for both your time and your money—and stick to it. Make it more about the thought than depleting your emotional and financial resources.
- Make conscious decisions and set expectations. Get clear about what you really want to do over the holidays before compromising with others. If you don’t have a clear plan and clear intentions, you might find yourself getting swept along by others’ desires. Even if you compromise later, get clear first and voice your expectations and wishes. At first your friends and family may not like the “new you” but in time it will be the new norm for your holidays.
- Shorten your to-do list. What do the holidays mean to you? For many, it’s about family and friends and spirituality. If an item doesn’t add to your holiday spirit, scratch it off right away.
- Say no when you want to. It’s very liberating. Try it and see. It sounds simple, but too often obligation trumps desire. When faced with options, choose the one that would make you happier.
- Limit obligatory activities. If you can’t avoid certain events, limit the time you’re there.
- Take good care of yourself. The old standards help keep stress at bay: eat healthfully, exercise, drink lots of water, and breathe deeply. Schedule time for relaxation and what you find fun. Maybe get a good comedy and laugh your way through a stressful day.
- Start early. To avoid a last-minute frenzy that can bust your budget, start shopping or making presents as early as possible. If it’s too late for this year, remember this for next then visit tip #3 above and “cross it off your list”.
- Ask for help. Reject any notion of martyrdom. The burden of preparations should not fall upon one person. The more specific you are in your request, the more successful you’ll be.
- Establish new traditions. Since you’ve experienced a major life-changing event, consider doing something you’ve never done before over the holidays. This could be introducing nutritious desserts to share that support your new, healthier lifestyle. Go away for the holiday to a place you always wanted to visit. Spend time with people you want to be with instead of who you “have to be with”. Get clear on what you want and go for it. Celebrate the things that mean the most to you and others will follow along, in time.
- Get support. If a glorious holiday season feels completely out of reach, you may experience the holiday blues. Many people do. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling that way. Reach out for the support you need. Remember you always have love and support at My Personal Breast Cancer Journey both on the website here and on Facebook.
Comment below and share how you are doing things a little differently since your diagnosis, regardless if it was last week or years ago. I would love to hear from you.
Hugs,
