On the first day-be sure to plan ahead.
If this is your first holiday season after diagnosis, or
your tenth. . .remember that sometimes you may not have all the energy you have
had in the past. You might want to look
at pacing yourself throughout the holiday season. Give yourself permission to be realistic
about what you can accomplish in a day so that you can enjoy the holiday
season.
On the second day-have fun with your fashion.
With holiday parties ahead, being in control of the way you
look can make you feel a lot better. If
you have hair loss, try wigs of different colors, length and styles to make an
impact with holiday wear. Scarves can be
tied to make a fashion statement for evening events. With colder temperatures, hats of different
styles and colors can accent your ensemble.
Experiment with make-up, anything that makes you feel you look your
best.
On the third day-know your holiday stress points.
Do you take on too much and then find you don’t have time
for it all? Do you really need to bake all those cookies? Maybe you can
gracefully bow out of holiday events or traditions you no longer enjoy. Start
by asking yourself what makes you feel most pressured or irritable, and then
what choices do you have to make this stress more manageable. Learn to say no. The
demands of the season can feel overwhelming, look toward a healthier holiday
and less stressful New Year.
On the fourth day-be emotional.
Enjoy being with family and friends. It’s okay to laugh out loud . . . or cry when
sharing memories with loved ones. Be
sure to hug them and tell them you love them. Our bodies and brains respond
positively in lots of ways to time spent connecting to those we are close to;
consider this important for your health during the holidays.
On the fifth day-practice healthy nutrition.
It is easy to get out of sync with nutrition during the
holidays. Know what foods help you feel
your best and focus more on giving your body what it needs, instead of
concentrating on avoiding certain foods.
Eat healthy foods full of protein, fiber and healthy fats before going
to the party to make it easier to indulge in moderation.
On the sixth day-get your shots.
During the holidays, you are going to be out and about. Shopping, holiday parties, school events, and
family gatherings expose you to more than just the fun of the season. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
recommends that survivors should receive the seasonal flu shot, but NOT the
nasal spray vaccine. Co-survivors also need to be vaccinated against seasonal
flu. Survivors should also have the pneumococcal
shot. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you are up-to-date on
other shots needed. Protecting yourself
will help you enjoy the holiday season.
On the seventh day-simplify.
If you have a to-do list bigger than Santa’s, it is time to
simplify. Is there anything that you can
let someone else do? Asking for help
does not diminish you nor is it a sign of weakness, but rather it is what
strong women do because the support of others will maximize their own
resources. We quite often fulfill a need in someone else when we allow them to
help us. The failure to ask for help is
a guaranteed roadblock to keeping your health on track. Do not let being a super hero get in the way
of taking care of yourself. Use that
super hero strength. Ask for help.
On the eighth day-keep moving.
Physical activity is the clearest step you can take during
the holidays, and all year round to benefit your health. Many survivors who have laced up their
sneakers credit exercise for giving them back a feeling of control, which
breast cancer took away. Research shows
it can lessen fatigue, reduce depression, and help your body and brain function
better. So park the car a little farther
from the store, play with the kids and grandkids, and check into an exercise
program for cancer survivors after the holidays. (Consult with your doctor before beginning a
new exercise routine)
On the ninth day-relax your body and mind.
It is so easy to get wound up and stressed during the
holiday season. Take five minutes to
breathe deeply while relaxing your body from head to toe. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply through
your nose for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, then release through your mouth for
4 counts. Continue breathing while
checking for tension in your body. Begin
by relaxing your forehead and jaw, then stretch your neck and shoulders and
find a comfortable position. Move through the rest of your body, stretching and
relaxing while continuing to breathe.
You can even breathe and relax while driving—just don’t close you eyes!
On the tenth day-know how alcohol affects your health.
Alcohol has been associated with an increase risk of certain
cancers, including breast cancer. If you drink over the holidays, do so in
moderation (one drink a day for women, two for men). Before holiday events, plan what and how many
drinks you will have. Alternate between
alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as sparkling water, to help pace
yourself and make sure you are properly hydrated.
On the eleventh day-listen to your body.
Tuning into what your body is telling you is a good way to
stay on the road to health. If you
aren’t sure about your risk for long term problems or what symptoms to watch
for to maintain your health; check out a survivorship program in the new
year. Talk to your doctor if you have
fatigue that hasn’t improved with time, mental fog that makes it hard to work
or remember things, numbness in your hands, feet or elsewhere, or any other
problems that affect your quality of life.
Having a long term plan can ease your mind over the holidays so you can focus
on the celebration.
On the twelfth day-enjoy the precious moments.
Make time for the precious people in your life. Doing things together, whether cooking and
cleaning up after meals, shopping, singing carols, or other holiday activities that
are special to you is a great way to spend time with those who may need you
most, or you want special time with. Let’s celebrate the precious moments in
life this holiday season.
