Surviving The Holidays With Pain

The holiday season offers opportunities to improve your health; but it can also intensify feelings of frustration and despair that come from dealing with chronic pain. At Louisiana Pain Specialists, we can’t promise a stress-free holiday season, but we have some helpful tips on how to handle this time of year with a jolly spirit and make the holiday season more comfortable and enjoyable.

PRIORITIZE ACTIVITIES MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU

The holidays can be overloaded with shopping, traveling and family get-togethers. Try to set restrictions for yourself and choose to participate in events you can comfortably enjoy. You can’t say yes to everything and those around you will understand that your health comes first.

PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES AND SLOW DOWN

Try to avoid the added stress of last minute errands. Take time in planning your days and allow extra time for yourself so you can avoid a “painful day”. Planning some breaks and making several shorter trips rather than a marathon day event may help you in handling daily tasks. Delegate to family or friends those activities which might be too demanding for you.

EXERCISE STILL MATTERS

Do NOT exclude health and fitness from your schedule this holiday season. Aerobic activity, stretching, yoga or even starting a physical therapy program is a great approach to manage pain and improve mental health. Strengthening your core will allow you to participate in those important activities which make this time of year so special.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY EATING HABITS

Holiday get-togethers are usually filled with appetizing sweets and indulgences. It is often troublesome to consider losing weight during the holiday season; a better goal would be to maintain your present weight, continue with healthy sleep patterns, and support healthy choices in nutrition. Additionally, limiting any alcohol consumption is of utmost importance. Alcohol is a depressant and can thus intensify pain. Moderation is the key to success with the right eating habits.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Try to take enjoyment in the activities which you can participate in without stressing your body and mind. Try spending time with family and friends who are supportive and understanding of your medical condition.