Navigating Chronic Pain During the Holiday Season
An estimated 25 percent of adults in the United States have some form of chronic pain. Chronic pain differentiates itself from regular or acute pain because it is persistent and long-lasting. When it comes to a chronic condition, it is essential to find ways to cope and move forward. Today, we will discuss how you can manage chronic pain and make the most of the holiday season.
The holiday season often comes with travel, endless gatherings, and copious amounts of time with family and friends. If you are living with a chronic condition, you may feel isolated from those around you, especially during the holidays. The chronic pain you experience is not always visible to the people around you. It may be hard for others to accommodate, relate, or empathize with your health condition. It is necessary to practice self-advocacy and let the people you trust know the complex physical and mental health challenges that come along with your chronic pain.
If you are feeling apprehensive about the potential shifts in routine, schedule, and environment that come along with the holidays, you are not alone. As much as the holidays are a joyous and exciting time, they are also seldom stress-free. Clearly stating your concerns, boundaries, and expectations with others can help put you at ease and allow you to feel a greater sense of control. Living with chronic pain can already be burdensome and tiring without additional external stressors. It is more than okay to only attend or partake in what you can handle. Pushing yourself beyond your limits will only exacerbate your condition and leave you feeling drained.
Coping with chronic pain on a consistent basis is a remarkable feat. A chronic condition can significantly interfere with daily life and impair your ability to handle stressful seasons of life. Remember to look out for yourself, set realistic expectations, and practice self check-ins at any given occasion. It is important to give yourself grace in this and every season of your life — doing your best is enough.
Here are some additional Wave Health tips for managing chronic pain:
Identify the factors that worsen your pain
Be mindful of your nutrition, physical activity level, and sleep - all of these things can significantly impact your condition
Prioritize your mental health and be conscious of your stress levels
Routinely check-in with a doctor or healthcare professional