Tips for coping with cancer during the holidays
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1. Emotional wellbeing
- Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel a range of emotions during this time
- Communicate with loved ones: Share your feelings and needs with your friends and family
- Seek professional support: Consider counselling or support groups in your local area or online
2. Physical health
- Manage fatigue: Try to conserve energy where possible and prioritise activities
- Maintain a healthy diet: Seek nutritional advice
- Stay active: Find new gentle exercises to keep your body moving, balancing this with rest, listen to your body
3. Social connections
- Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no to events during the holiday season
- Plan ahead: Organise your schedule to include rest periods
- Virtual gatherings: Use technology to stay connected if you can’t attend in person
4. Practical tips
- Simplify traditions: Adapt holiday traditions to fit your current energy levels
- Delegate tasks: Let others help with preparations and responsibilities
- Health Care appointments: Public holidays and social events may disrupt your appointments. Talk to your health care team about this, ensuring you can attend special events and have enough of your medications
5. Finding joy
- Focus on the positive: Identify and cherish moments of joy
- Mindfulness and relaxation: Take time to relax, which can help reduce stress
- Gratitude practices: Keep a gratitude journal or share what you’re thankful for, which can help keep things in perspective
Coping with cancer during the holiday season can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to find the balance between going through treatment and the joy of the festive season. By acknowledging your emotions, managing your physical health, maintaining social connections, and adapting traditions, you can navigate this time with reduced stress.
For more personalised advice and support, reach out to your healthcare team or reach out to Bowen Icon Cancer Centre here
