Managing Chronic Conditions So You Can Enjoy the Holiday Season

The last six weeks of the year always seem to fly by in a blur. Regardless of how you celebrate the holiday season, chances are it’s filled with gift-giving, parties with friends, family, and co-workers, seemingly endless meal prep, and more than overindulgence in the food and drink department, not to mention the obligatory late night or two.

Eventually, the exhaustion catches up to you, and you promise yourself that next year all will be different. You trim your gift list, cut back on the decorations, and won’t overindulge.

Ditching the breakneck pace is good advice, says Caryn McAllister, PT, DPT, and the multidisciplinary team at High Quality Home Therapy, especially if you suffer from a chronic medical issue. In this blog, we share tips for enjoying the holiday season while managing your chronic condition.

What is a chronic condition?

Let’s jump into this topic by first defining what a chronic condition is. A chronic condition is an umbrella term for any medical issue that lasts one or more years, affects daily activities, and requires ongoing medical treatment.

Chronic pain and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and arthritis are examples of common chronic conditions. Chronic pain, particularly back and neck pain, affects an estimated 80 to 90% of all Americans.

Remarkably, three in four American adults have at least one chronic condition. Sadly, more than half of adults in the United States suffer from two or more chronic conditions.

Stay healthy and joyful this holiday season

Unfortunately, chronic conditions don’t take a break during the holidays. The good news is that staying vigilant in some key areas can help you manage your chronic condition well into the New Year.

Stick to your routine medication schedule

When traveling or out and about more often than usual, it's easy to forget to pack or take your medication. If you’re traveling, include your medicines on your packing list. If you’re traveling with someone, ask your buddy to remind you to take your medication or set a reminder on your phone.

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Getting adequate sleep is something most of us battle every day, but when you suffer from a chronic condition, lack of sleep can amplify your symptoms. Do your best to go to sleep and start your day on a routine schedule, just as you would on any other day of the year. Don’t worry about being the first to retire in the evening, as your hosts may look forward to some much-needed rest too.

It is okay to say no

With so much going on around the holidays, it’s often difficult to pass up invitations to check out that holiday concert or brunch invitation with friends you haven’t seen for a while. The good news is that you don’t have to. Instead, plan accordingly. Incorporate breaks, rest, and downtime in your schedule, and remember, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

Double-booking yourself or committing to baking three dozen cookies, instead of bringing some delectable treat from a local bakery, won’t make your holidays any less joyful. Maximize your time with those you love. Don’t act shy about saying no, and look for some shortcuts to keep you from overdoing it.

Eat healthy and get regular exercise

This duo of health tips is the downfall for many of us throughout the year. However, regardless of your chronic condition, eating healthy, balanced meals and incorporating regular exercise into your days may be the most impactful.

Set a plan for moderate food and drink options and maximize your exercise. A good rule of thumb is to eat a balanced meal and limit processed foods as much as possible. Similarly, reduce excessive alcohol, caffeine, sugary foods, and foods that can trigger inflammation.

Regarding staying active, incorporate walking, stretching exercises, yoga, and other forms of exercise into your holiday schedule. Think of fun things you can do with family and friends that involve movement. Walking through holiday light shows at farms or taking a parking spot away from the mall can add to your daily exercise.

Massage and physical therapy can help

At High Quality Home Therapy, our highly skilled massage and physical therapists create personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans to manage chronic pain and symptoms. Our therapists can also recommend at-home exercises and strategies to help you enhance your overall quality of life during the holiday season and the rest of the year.

To learn more, contact High Quality Home Therapy in Stamford, Connecticut, by using our online booking feature or calling us today to schedule a consultation.