Minimize Holiday Stress

Today’s Moderator:Dana Nolan, MS LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Why Can the Holidays Seem Stressful?

The holiday season is known for being a time of year that includes family, fun and holiday cheer.

Despite the merriment, it has the potential of turning into a very stressful time of year for many people – even those without a cancer diagnosis.

Why?

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Causes of Holiday Stress

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In 2013, Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed people about what lead to their holiday stress.

Top stressors include:

How Mesothelioma Can Affect Your Ability to Manage Holiday Stress

When you or a loved one has mesothelioma, you may struggle during the holiday season because you have:Less energyLess moneyLess timeDifficulty travelingLess desire to engage in holiday activities this year

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How to Minimize the Stress…

…and increase likelihood that you will enjoy the holiday season as you deal with mesothelioma:Clarify what is meaningful to you during the holidaysAdjust your expectations

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What Do You EnjoyAbout This Time of Year?

The answer to this question will guide you in clarifying how you want to spend your limited time and energy.Think back to previous holiday seasons and

recall those activities that brought you joy, peace or fun.Decorating the house, crafts, baking, shopping,

singing carols, watching holiday movies, family gatherings, cold weather activities, making or eating favorite holiday foods, etc.

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What Do You EnjoyAbout This Time of Year? (cont.)

Then make a note of things that you did in past holidays that were stressful or simply not a good fit for you.Buying too many gifts, volunteered to do too

much, spent time with people you dislike, overextended yourself, procrastinated, etc.

Now try to incorporate those things you do like and avoid those that cause you stress!

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Adjust Your Expectations

Pressure to do the things we have always done (decorate the house to the nines, host a big meal, etc.) may lead us to feel disappointed in ourselves.

It is okay to let everyone know that we will be adjusting our traditions this year (shopping less, entertaining less, etc.) due to our health issues.

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Adjust Your Expectations (cont.)

Pick one or two manageable tasks and put your energy into those.

Tell family that you want to draw names for a gift exchange to lessen the pressure to buy for everyone.

Ask for help. Make a holiday dinner at your home a potluck affair.

Shop online or ask others to pick gifts for you when they go out.

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Advance Planning

If your health is unpredictable, then you may need to prepare and plan for your health issues when you are having some holiday fun.Be prepared for a quick getaway.Brings meds, special foods or drinks.Inform your guests or hosts that you may

need to sneak away and rest for a little while.

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Shopping for Someone with Cancer

Reviewing some blogs written by cancer patients and articles from cancer experts revealed some Dos/Don’ts of Christmas gift buying for cancer patients.

Avoid buying:Scented lotions or toiletriesFlowers or plantsSad movies or booksSweets or candySupplements/vitamins

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Shopping for Someonewith Cancer (cont.)

Do consider buying:Funny books, movies or DVDsGift certificates for chores or specific offers of help

(doing laundry, grocery shopping, dog walking, snow shoveling, etc.)

Comfortable pajamas or clothingGift certificates for restaurants, movies or spa

treatmentsMagazine subscription

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Contact Information

1-877-626-5916

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