Andy Williams said in 1963 ” It’s the most wonderful time of the year “. Unfortunately for those of us living with Long COVID navigating the holiday season can feel more like a minefield. The tasks we used to enjoy and take for granted like shopping, preparing meals, catching up with friends and family, even wrapping presents can feel like some of the most challenging days of your life.
Then you add in the social pressures of routine changes, and expectations that can really crank up that holiday stress. If you’re managing Long COVID whilst trying to enjoy the festivities just remember that your comfort and energy should always come first! The Apheresis Center has put together a Long Covid Holiday season survival guide to help you manage your energy, keep your nervous system chilled out, and find some balance. We hope our tips and strategies can help you make the most of the holidays even when your spoons are running low.
Understanding Holiday Stress with Long COVID
Holiday stress is something common for many people throughout the Holiday season, but when you throw Long COVID into the mix? The game changes! From fatigue to brain fog, and those annoying symptom flare-ups it makes even everyday tasks seem overwhelming and very difficult to manage. It’s important to remember that what might be manageable/normal for others like family gatherings or social obligations, can quickly become too much for you and more than likely end up in a symptom flare up requiring days of rest until you get back to your baseline.
Being able to understand how holiday stress interacts with Long COVID is the key to you finding your peace and happiness during this busy season. It’s totally ok to accept that your energy levels may not be what they used to be and also that saying no sometimes is perfectly okay and you shouldn’t feel guilty for looking after yourself. Many of us with Long Covid find certain sounds or lights too intense (shopping centres a nightmare). Even short conversations with a friend you haven’t seen in a while can leave you feeling wiped out and that’s completely normal. Being able to recognize and understand your energy levels/limitations on any particular day isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s essential for taking care of yourself!
Planning for Balance
An easy way to take control is by planning ahead it really can help to take some pressure off when you’re dealing with Long COVID during the holiday season. Our suggestion is to start by making a list of all the things you feel you have to do and pace them out with some time to rest in between. The next step is to set some priorities by focusing on tasks that genuinely bring you joy or comfort. Don’t feel guilty about letting go of anything that feels unnecessary or that you know will bring you stress because you don’t need that in your life right now. Even making some small adjustments like simplifying meals or delegating tasks to other family members can really help you conserve your energy so that you have enough left over to enjoy your Holiday season too.
Pacing yourself is super important. Break things down into tiny steps, take breaks before and after each task, resist the urge to tackle everything at once – It can wait. Don’t be shy about asking family or friends for help with errands, meals, or decorations; leaning on your support system can really lighten your load.
And keeping celebrations low-key? That can work wonders too! Think shorter visits or maybe connecting virtually instead of in person. Letting someone else handle parts of the holiday routine is totally valid as well. Sticking to basic routines like staying hydrated, dressing comfortably, and keeping your space tidy can create a supportive environment that helps minimize unnecessary stress.
Managing Social Situations
Social events can seriously amp up holiday stress when you’re living with Long COVID. If attending an event feels daunting, try showing up just for part of it or leaving early if you need to. Finding a quiet corner where you can recharge is another great option! Setting boundaries is super important; simple phrases like “I’m keeping things low-energy this season” or “Thanks for inviting me! I’ll be resting, send me lots of pictures or give me a quick video call” help communicate what you need without any awkwardness”.
It’s normal to feel pressure from people who may not fully grasp the challenges and struggles of living with Long COVID and let’s face it – It’s even more exhausting trying to justify it or explain it to these people. Remember that cutting back on social interactions doesn’t mean you’re missing out on connection – it’s all about what works best for you right now.
Emotional Wellbeing
Let’s not forget the emotional toll that holiday stress can take when you’re dealing with Long COVID. Feelings like guilt, frustration, and isolation are pretty normal when you can’t join in on traditional festivities. Acknowledging those feelings without judging yourself is an important step forward.
Even when your energy levels are super low there are little strategies that can help keep your emotions in check. Simple things like:
- Closing your eyes for a moment.
- Taking deep breaths – Box Breathing.
- Adjusting how you’re sitting for comfort.
- Even lying down for a bit can bring some calm into the chaos – Especially with POTS
Celebrate those small moments of joy—maybe it’s enjoying a warm drink or curling up under a cozy blanket while soaking in some quiet around you. Recognizing these little joys can give you a sense of control amidst the limitations.
Creating Joyful Moments
Joy doesn’t have to come from grand gestures or high-energy activities! Sometimes the simplest experiences bring about the most peace.
Think about little moments that require barely any effort: finding a comfy spot to relax in, soaking up natural light through a window, or reminiscing about sweet memories from past holidays. These subtle moments might seem insignificant but they can really help anchor you in the festive spirit without overwhelming your senses.
You could also create a straightforward routine that brings some comfort into your day-to-day life during the holidays. For instance, preparing that favorite warm drink of yours or setting aside specific times just for resting could lend some structure and balance as well. Over time, these small actions may ease overall holiday stress tied to Long COVID and make everything feel more manageable.
Additional Tips for Gentle Holiday Planning
– Plan ahead: Spread tasks over several days instead of cramming everything into one exhausting stretch.
– A simple checklist can help keep track of tasks without stressing your mind.
– Accept help: Delegating even minor chores allows you to conserve energy for what truly matters.
– Set realistic goals: It’s better to do less well than push yourself too hard and risk a flare-up.
– Be kind to yourself: Celebrate those small wins—even if it’s just allowing yourself some rest time.
All these strategies show that holidays don’t need to be perfect or jam-packed to hold meaning. Keeping things balanced and prioritizing your wellbeing is self-care in its own right—it supports both your physical health and emotional state.
Sure, navigating holiday stress with Long COVID may seem challenging at first glance but with thoughtful planning and achievable strategies in place, there’s still room to enjoy this season! Just focus on pacing yourself, setting boundaries where needed, and cherishing those comforting moments.
Interested in learning more about how health coaching could support your recovery? Feel free to sign up for a free 30’ health coaching Q&A.
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