Norman Rockwell provided us with a vision for the holiday season; family and friends gathered around the fireplace enjoying a perfectly prepared and scrumptious meal. While this scene paints a beautiful portrait, the truth is that the holidays are far more challenging for cancer patients.
If you are a cancer patient or caregiver, here are some tips that can help cancer patients & caregivers cope with emotions this holiday season:
1. Take time to check in with yourself by asking how you truly feel both emotionally and physically before each holiday activity.
Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself the questions,
“Am I really able to enjoy this event?”
“How will I feel if I don’t attend?”
“Am I forcing myself to do something I know I can’t do?”
Be honest and allow yourself to set limits. Rather than trying to do everything, pick and choose the activities that your feel most comfortable with.
2. Be mindful of how much time you spend at each event.
Having time for rest during the holidays is very important to both your physical and mental health.
3. Allow yourself to feel your true emotions.
Pressure to feel “joy” during the holiday season can leave cancer patients feeling lost. Be real with yourself and allow your true emotions to flow. In the end, allowing true feelings to flow will release them and open the door for more expansive emotions such as love and happiness.
4. If you are a caregiver, be cautious about making decisions about what your cancer patient can and cannot do.
Cancer patients feel a loss of control in many areas of life and through treatment, so inviting them into the decision-making during the holidays is important to their well-being.
5. Caregiving is a very important role so be sure to give yourself time to focus on what you enjoy doing.
Taking time for yourself will make you a better caregiver. Set goals to establish a good sleep routine, find time to be physically active on most days of the week, eat a healthy diet, and drink plenty of water. Shopping online can reduce holiday buying stress, and finally, let go of perfection. At this time, focus on what you can do not what you think you should do.
6. Emotions can run even higher than usual this time of year.
If you need support to get through this holiday season, Wheelhouse is here for you. If you are already a Wheelhouse member, visit wheelhousecares.com/members to connect with your team. Not a Wheelhouse member? Visit wheelhousecares.com/contact to see what’s available for you.
