Holidays can be stressful even under the best circumstances. In this month’s Teal Talk, MOCA Community Support Program Manager Stefanie Gliniany shares tips to help survivors navigate the season.
When cancer treatment or the lasting effects of cancer treatment are added to the mix of the holiday season, the stress can become unbearable. Here are some tips for coping.
- Prioritize yourself. Choose activities that are most important to you and pace yourself. Be sure to rest when necessary.
- Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings. Try to find joy in happy moments, but feel free to allow yourself time to cry and reflect if you need to.
- Surround yourself with support, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Adjust your traditions. Decide which holiday traditions are most important and restructure them to make them work for you. It’s also okay to say no to old traditions.
- Use tools to help cope with any stress or isolation such as: deep breathing, writing in a journal, meditating or creating a gratitude list.
- Focus on the present moment, and enjoy your holiday celebrations in whatever form they take.
Sending you my warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season!
