Warmest holiday wishes from all of us at Pain Revealed!
‘Tis the season for busy times: parties, special events, religious observances, overeating, travel, expenses, and social obligations… this time of year can wear out the most intrepid of revelers, let alone people with chronic illnesses or pain.
Never fear – ‘tis also the season for self-care and getting through the holidays without overdoing it, while having some fun along the way! Let’s talk about a few strategies that may help.
First, as much as possible, stick to your routine and schedule. Honor your body’s need for sleep and rest, and make sure that your many activities are balanced by taking a break from the hustle and bustle we can all get caught up in this time of year.
Next, chances are you have a long list of holiday traditions that you have followed every year. If you are not feeling up to it, give yourself permission to pare down to the most meaningful essentials this year. Delegate, defer, or discard anything that steals too much energy or joy.
Also, while rich foods and holiday treats abound, stay mindful about your eating, and avoid foods that are problematic for you and may trigger adverse reactions. Eat modest portions, enjoying a taste of your favorite holiday flavors, but remaining attentive to your body’s signals of fullness or unease.
Along these lines, many people find sugar and simple carbohydrates to be triggers for pain, inflammation, and discomfort. With the current love for all things keto and low-carb, healthy and delicious adaptations of favorite holiday recipes abound on the internet, and chances are your friends will include healthful, anti-inflammatory options on the holiday buffet table that you can enjoy.
Keep alcohol consumption moderate, and follow your health practitioner’s recommendations about whether it is appropriate for you. Consider this – sparkling water looks just as elegant and celebratory in a wine glass as champagne does, and no one will be the wiser! Alternately, enjoy the many non-alcoholic holiday sippers available, such as cozy flavored teas.
Essential oils can serve as your secret weapon throughout the season: copaiba to ease inflammation, marjoram for pain, lavender with bergamot for calming, and Doterra OnGuard to protect from seasonal illnesses.
Fill your home with holiday fragrances by diffusing oils that will put you in an upbeat mood and perhaps even strike a cord of happy holiday nostalgia. These oil blend recipes come courtesy of our Pain Revealed friends, Dr. and Mama Z. Download your own copy of this pretty PDF by clicking the link below the picture!
From all of us at Pain Revealed to all of you – we wish you the best of health and wellness this holiday season! May you have merry and memorable times with family and friends, the best of health, and success and happiness in the New Year!