The holiday season can be stressful, isolating and an emotional time under the best of circumstances. Living with a cancer diagnosis during the holidays may heighten the intensity of emotions and can trigger strong feelings or memories about previous losses such as the absence of family members who have passed away. It’s important to advocate for yourself in terms of setting boundaries and expressing what you can and cannot do and accepting that not everyone will be happy with your choices. This is okay! You are making yourself a priority.
Below are some ideas to consider for managing your physical and emotional health during the holidays:
Talk and share with others, as it can provide much-needed stress relief and help with those feelings of being isolated and alone.
Set-up regular visits (face-to-face, online or by telephone) with family and friends. There is tremendous value and comfort to be gained from seeing the faces and hearing the voices of the important people in your life. Additionally, having the opportunity to talk about all that is running through your head diminishes the power those unwanted thoughts have over you!
Join a support group. Nothing can compare to the feeling of being a part of a community of people who truly understand your experience and “get it.” Cancer Lifeline’s support groups meet regularly and always welcome new members.
Need someone to listen and help you sort out your feelings? Call the Lifeline at (800) 255-5505 or (206) 297-2500 or use the Lifeline Chat (instant messaging), which can be accessed through the Cancer Lifeline website by clicking the green “We are here to listen” button. Both are available M-F, 9am-5pm PST.
Access Cancer Lifeline’s free Counseling Services for adults, couples, children, adolescents, and young adults who are struggling with the challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you have insurance coverage, utilize our Therapist Referral service and receive names of therapists in the local community who have experience working with people affected by cancer.
Stay active, mentally, and physically
Get your body moving! Physical exercise is key to managing stress and anxiety. Consider a morning or afternoon walk around your neighborhood each day or register for one of Cancer Lifeline’s online gentle exercise classes.
Focus your mind in new and helpful directions. Register for a regular class series on mindfulness, meditation, and stress management. Participate in one of Cancer Lifeline’s Creative Expression, Nutrition, or other informative presentations that cover a wide variety of topics.
Access Cancer Lifeline’s Cancer Specific Psychotherapy and Family Support Programs. Contact Pamela Krueger at [email protected] or 206-832-1271.
Take care of YOU
Remember, save your energy for the activities and events that are meaningful to YOU.
Ask for & accept help. Rethink doing EVERYTHING yourself, whether it’s putting on a big meal, decorating, or wrapping presents.
Consider online shopping as it can save SO MUCH energy and time.
Stick to your regular routines, meals, and sleep schedule. Your body needs nourishment and rest.
Explore the idea of starting some new and different holiday traditions to make the holidays meaningful and not exhausting.
Take time to reflect on the positive aspects of your life. Expressing gratitude, even in difficult times, can help shift your focus toward the things that bring you joy and comfort.
Remember that it’s okay to have a different kind of holiday season while living with or supporting a loved one with cancer. Give yourself the grace to navigate it in a way that feels right for you.