Christmas Coping Tips for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
We're just days away from Christmas, and (as expected), I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I still need to do lots of wrapping, a bit of baking, and stocking-stuffer shopping. I'm anxiously awaiting a home pickup from UPS, since a record-setting snowfall (about 28 inches in 48 hours) has me house-bound.
I'm not doing too badly, though, considering. Why? Because I have a schedule, and I'm trying my darnedest to stick to it. I know when I'm going to wrap, when I'm going to shop (if the snow gets compacted enough for my car to get through), and when I'm going to bake. I'm also not worrying about the things I can't control - I can't melt all that snow, so if I can't get to the store, well, the smaller gifts I've bought for my kids will go into the stockings.
I've gotten a bit panicky at times, but when I feel that coming on I look at my schedule. Once I see that I have time set aside for all the things I need to do, I feel better.
So if you're feeling overwhelmed right now, sit down and make a list of the things you have left to do. Prioritize - what absolutely must get done, and what can go by the wayside? What can somebody else do, or help with? Once you have your list prioritized, look at your schedule between now and Christmas and see when you have time. If you don't have time for everything, prioritize once again. Think about yourself and those closest to you - what's most important to them? If some things on your list are there to please your aunt, a cousin, a neighbor, etc., they'll just have to understand that you can't do everything.
In the end, what your family and friends should really want from this time of year is - YOU! If you're happy and (relatively) healthy, you can be part of the celebration. If you're exhausted and feeling lousy (like I was last year on Christmas day), you can't. I might not get a pecan pie and a plate of fudge made this year, but at least I won't need a 3-hour nap again.
Suggested Reading:
- 10 Ways to Survive Holiday Shopping
- Alcohol Intolerance in Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Living With Temperature Senstivity
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Comments
I too have slowed down for Christmas. My daughter has now taken over all the stuff that I used to do like cooking and wrapping the presents. All I have to do is care for my 2 grandchildren while they are out of school for the holidays. They are old enough that they let me lay down and rest when I need and they mainly take care of themselves at this age they just need an adult. So its a joy to me to have them here and enjoy the time with them. Plus with them I can do the simple cooking that they like and I can enjoy and even have them help me with small chores. So I have learned to adapt to me.