The holiday season is often a time filled with tradition, joy, and renewed hope. However, for those facing the challenges of living with a breast cancer, or for those who have lost a loved one, it can also bring heightened stress. Alongside the usual demands of baking, shopping, decorating, and attending parties, there are doctor’s appointments, treatments, and the emotional weight of loss. These factors can leave you feeling disconnected and overwhelmed, unable to fully meet the expectations of the season.
Here are some practical tips to help you manage the holiday season with cancer and lift your spirits.
1. Be in Tune with Your Thoughts and Feelings
During the holiday season, it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions. If you find yourself struggling to enjoy a moment of happiness, take a step back and check in with yourself. Acknowledge any thoughts or feelings that might be preventing you from fully embracing the present. Allow yourself the space to cry, reflect, or simply be, as needed.
2. Reach Out for Support
Create a list of friends and family who are supportive and can provide a listening ear when needed. Whether it’s to share your concerns, receive encouragement, or just enjoy a good laugh, don’t hesitate to reach out. When you feel overwhelmed, call someone on your list for comfort and reassurance.
3. Eat Nutritious Foods
It’s important to nourish your body, especially during stressful times. Try to eat a balanced diet full of nutrients to help you maintain your energy. Limit sugary foods and alcohol, as they can cause dips in energy levels. If you have dietary restrictions, plan your meals in advance or eat before attending parties and events to make sure your needs are met.
4. Ask for Help
If hosting a holiday dinner or gathering feels too overwhelming, ask friends and family for assistance. Suggest hosting a potluck or ask others to host at their home. Use your support network to help with tasks such as cleaning, wrapping presents, decorating, or setting up for events. There’s no shame in letting others pitch in and share the responsibility.
5. Start New Traditions
It’s perfectly okay to let go of old traditions if they no longer serve you. You can ask family and friends to connect virtually or send personalized holiday messages instead of attending events in person. You might even consider planning a getaway to a place you’ve never been to, allowing for a fresh and exciting experience that fits your current energy levels.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Take time to focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s going for a walk, dancing, painting, or enjoying a massage, find what helps you unwind. Be mindful of physical stress from travel and entertaining, and avoid overexerting yourself. Take small steps, prioritize rest, and conserve your energy for what truly matters.
7. Let Go of Self-Blame
If you're unable to keep up with holiday demands, don’t blame yourself. Recognize that there are things beyond your control, and instead of focusing on what you can't do, redirect your energy toward what you can manage. Remember, the holidays are not a break from the difficulties of living with a brain or spine tumor, but they don’t have to add extra pressure.
8. Make a Simple Plan and Pace Yourself
Identify the tasks that typically cause you stress—such as shopping, cooking, and hosting—and consider scaling them back. Online shopping, takeout meals, or having someone else host can alleviate some of the burdens. Choose the activities that are most important and focus on completing those while pacing yourself and scheduling tasks when your energy is at its peak.
9. Navigating Loss During the Holidays
For those grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be especially difficult. It’s important to allow yourself to feel your emotions and grieve in your own time. At the same time, finding ways to honor your loved one can provide comfort. Consider creating a new tradition that celebrates their memory:
Write a letter to your deceased loved one, expressing thoughts or feelings that were left unsaid.
Hold a candlelight vigil or ceremony, gathering friends and family to remember your loved one together.
Support a cause that was close to their heart, or contribute to a charity in their memory.
Ultimately, the holiday season is about hope, gratitude, and the connections we share with those we love. Focus on the present moment, and celebrate in whatever way feels right for you.
