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- Summary
- Revise holiday activities to fit your current physical and emotional condition and to include people you care about. Don't over extend yourself..
- Look at past holiday stressors to see what has previously helped you cope and move forward.
- If you are in treatment, talk to your doctor about taking time off during the holidays or changing your schedule.
- Keep your expectations realistic.
- Prioritize your activities.
- If you're not physically or emotionally up to going shopping, or you are not allowed in holiday crowds, shop online or from catalogues.
- If a money crunch is causing stress, focus on the real meaning of the holiday. Reign in spending with a budget.
- Live healthy. Don't over indulge. Exercise. Get rest.
- If you are dealing with grief, use the holidays to help finish your grieving.
- Share your feelings. As Art Linkletter said, "Laughter is the best medicine." It's okay to cry.
- Build in alone time
- Practice forgiveness
- If you're lonely... get busy. Consider volunteering.
- Accept what you can't change.
- If you make resolutions, keep them doable.
- Practice coping mechanisms, including renewing spirituality.
- If seasonal decrease in sunlight causes you to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), get treatment.
- If you are going to travel, talk with your doctor about any special travel needs. Prepare.
- Use the holiday as a time to share memories and to make new ones.
- If none of the above work for you, call your doctor or other medical practitioner.
How To Cope With Holiday Stress & Depression & Colorectal Cancer
Keep your expectations realistic.
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Ease up on yourself. Cancer can take an emotional toll on a person. Everyone experiences some kind of sadness when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Expect that you won’t be joyful all the time. You are entitled to your emotions. Sharing your emotions with those close to you helps you deal with them.
Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a loved one that was living with cancer.
Expect that the way you celebrate the holidays is likely to change over time as circumstances change.
It’s okay to pass on traditions that cause you stress and try new traditions.
Expect that relationships that have been rocky won’t be healed just because it is a holiday. Sometimes the season can add pressure on everyone to be more cheerful. Try to accept family members as they are, and do your best to be patient.
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