Winter holidays have officially arrived, bringing food, family, friends and celebrations. But for many people, this time of year also comes with the holiday blues. Rather than feeling festive, you may feel sad, isolated or numb. The blues may hit those fighting mesothelioma and other cancers harder than others.
Patients may feel stressed about their illnesses and cancer treatment costs. They may also worry about having enough energy for treatments and holiday events. These stressors can put a damper on the most festive celebrations. But experts have suggestions for managing even the bluest of winters. Here are a few tips and tricks for cancer patients and others navigating a difficult holiday season.
Set Realistic Expectations
One important tactic for cancer patients is to keep their holiday expectations realistic. This applies to expectations about events, other people and themselves. Patients often have cancer symptoms and treatment side effects at the same time. This may mean dealing with exhaustion, nausea and more.
Accepting the impact of these circumstances can help you prioritize what matters most. Examples of managing holiday expectations include:
- Accepting your feelings: It is entirely understandable to feel more blue than jolly if you’re fighting cancer over the holidays. Give yourself the freedom to simply feel what you feel. If that means being angry, tired or just sad, that’s alright. Your feelings are valid, and you don’t need to police them because of the holidays.
- Communicating honestly: It can be difficult to admit your negative emotions or physical struggles to others. You may not want to tell family members that you can’t do some of the things you used to. But being open about what you do or don’t feel up for helps everyone make the most of this season. It empowers loved ones to make plans you can enjoy and lets you rest when you need to.
- Embracing the messy and imperfect: Prioritizing your physical and mental health often means other things may not be at the top of the to-do list. You may not put up the usual decorations or be able to bake someone’s favorite pie. But you can still spend your time the way you choose, with beloved people, pets or holiday movies.
- Saying “no” freely and without guilt: Between treatment appointments and holiday events, calendars can fill up quickly. Cancer-related fatigue can leave patients with limited physical and social bandwidth. Declining less important events lets you reserve your energy for the things you care about. This may mean only attending 1 or 2 events throughout the season, and that’s fine. Reserving your strength for treatment and recovery is a healthy choice that requires no apologies.
Cancer patients may find some of these suggestions tough to put into action. It may be easier to do with the help of a trusted friend or family member.
Lean on Your Support System
It’s easy to get overwhelmed while managing cancer and trying to navigate the holidays. Patients should remember they aren’t alone in the fight. Friends, family and caregivers are often ready to provide all kinds of support. You might ask them for help with tasks like gift wrapping or decorating the house. It may also be helpful to request a friendly voice and listening ear if you are feeling lonely or sad.
Friends and family may want to help their loved ones with cancer but don’t know how. This is a great time for patients to reach out for aid and support.
Prioritize Self-Care
No matter how hectic the holidays get, cancer patients (and everyone else) need to practice self-care. Don’t forget to eat and rest! A body battling cancer needs proper nourishment and fuel for the fight. And eating well doesn’t mean taking all of the fun out of festive feasts. You can still indulge in holiday meals that bring you joy.
Self-care is important for everyone and can be even more vital during stressful times. Patients should make sure they’re supporting their mental health, too. This could mean taking time alone to read a new book, meditate, go to a spa or get a massage. You may also want to take a walk with family, join a support group or do any type of activity that helps you feel mentally healthy.
Rest and Recharge
Rest is vital for anyone battling an illness. Overexertion and overstimulation can create or add to sleep issues. A lack of quality sleep can affect mood, energy and the body’s ability to heal itself. No matter how busy the season gets, you should prioritize sleep.
If you find sleep difficult during this time, talk to your doctor or oncology team. They may recommend over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids. They might also suggest trying complementary or alternative therapies to help you snooze.
Create New Traditions
The holiday season comes with yearly traditions that hold special meaning for you and your loved ones. When those traditions aren’t celebrated like they usually are, it can be a harsh reminder of your new reality.
Coming up with new traditions is a great way to get through the holidays without the constant reminder of the changes you face. These traditions could be anything from a movie marathon or game night at home with close friends to a spa day with loved ones. Find something fun and special that makes you feel comfortable and supported throughout the holiday season.
A mesothelioma diagnosis may change what the holiday season looks like for you and your loved ones. During this traditionally busy time, pay attention to your needs and set realistic expectations for yourself. Be sure to lean on your support system when you need to. Trying these suggestions can help manage your emotions and continue to make the holidays meaningful.
