My Foolproof Plan for Preventing Holiday Pain Flares
Confession time…I don’t have a “foolproof plan” to prevent holiday pain flares. Truthfully, there’s no magic formula that allows chronically ill bodies to weather the holiday storm without casualties. But don’t lose hope!
While preventing flares may be out of the question, I’ve developed a few strategies to lessen their impact and make the most of the holiday season. Think of it as your Spoonie Guide to Surviving the Holidays!
The Spoonie Guide to Surviving the Holidays!
These three strategies are intentionally designed to provide a framework for approaching the holidays as someone who is chronically ill and has limitations on time, mobility, and energy. Take what works and leave the rest.
#1: Know what triggers pain flares and space out holiday commitments accordingly.
For me, it’s knowing that I can only participate in a few holiday events each week and need them spaced out (aka, I need recovery days). The hardest part about this boundary is having to say no to events you really want to go to, but just can’t…because sometimes, the pain flare is not worth it.
#2: Be ok with disappointing people.
One thing I can guarantee: someone will be disappointed by your limitations, plans, or boundaries. Remember, it’s not your responsibility to carry that burden. You are allowed to care for yourself, even if it comes at the cost of someone’s disappointment.
#3: Prioritize what fills you up.
You might have a holiday tradition or event that means the world to you. Figure out how to prioritize it and what accommodations you need to make it possible. It might look different from previous years. You might also want to plan for recovery days if it takes a lot of spoons.
