10 Tips for Surviving Christmas With Chronic Fatigue

Contributed by Fibro Geek: 

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year. It’s a bit of time out to spend with your loved ones and it’s the one day of the year where everyone practices gratitude. Not to mention the amazingness that is Christmas dinner! The downside is that the run up can be a bit overwhelming when you are suffering from chronic fatigue. However, with a bit of forward thinking and organisation you can still enjoy Christmas day to the fullest. Here are some top tips to help you minimize stress and make the most of it:

1. Do your Christmas shopping online! When you have chronic fatigue, the idea of going shopping either fills you with dread or it’s downright impossible. Not to worry though, there are plenty of treasures to find online. Etsy is one of my favourite places to do my Christmas shopping (I also don’t need any excuse to shop on Etsy as there are so many pretty things!). Just be sure to pay attention to where the items are being shipped from and check delivery times. If you need any inspiration check out these awesome gift ideas.

2. Be organized and make lists. Write down the names of who you need to buy gifts for. When you purchase a gift for them, write down what it is next to their name. Wrap up presents as you receive them so you are only doing a little at a time (remember to put tags on them so don’t forget who it’s for).

3. Ask for help. If you cannot get something delivered in time, ask a friend or relative if they can to to the shop and pick up the gift for you. Often you can shop online and collect an item from the store making it that bit easier for your friend.

4. Remember to live within your means. If you haven’t saved up for Christmas (and even if you have) set a budget of how much you can afford to spend on gifts for people. There is no point in putting financial pressure on yourself for the sake of one day. The amount of stress this will cause is not worth it!

5. Suggest doing a secret Santa to your group of friends. Not only is this exciting and fun to do, it means you won’t have the financial pressure or stress of buying for everyone- win! If your family is up for it too, even better. Remember Christmas is not all about material things.

6. Get someone else to clean for you! Having Christmas in your own home? Hire someone to come in and clean your home for you beforehand. The last thing you need to be doing is exhausting yourself before the Big Day. You want to avoid post-exercise malaise and yes, for those of us with chronic fatigue, housework is a hefty work out.

7. Delegate. If you are hosting, ask others to bring dishes along and contribute to the meal so that you are not doing all of the cooking by yourself. On the day, get everyone to muck in and help with the cooking and the inevitable clean up that comes afterwards.

8. Treat yourself but don’t over indulge. Christmas dinner is amazing but if you avoid certain foods or know particular foods trigger your symptoms, now is not the time to give in to eating them. You will regret it for days to come.

9. Take time out in the day to relax. Chill out on the sofa or even take a little nap for an energy boost.

10. Most of all, enjoy the day and don’t let your illness take precedence. Surrounding yourself with your favourite people is a sure way to energize yourself and take your mind off any pain.

Happy Holidays!