Coping with Epilepsy During the Holidays

While the holiday season can be a fun and exciting time full of seeing family and friends, giving and receiving gifts and eating delicious food, they can also often bring unwelcome guests such as stress. This is especially true if you live with or are affected by epilepsy. If you want to make sure that you are making the most of the holiday season, check out some of our tips on how to reduce the stress of the holidays below.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Just because it is the holiday season does not mean that you need to be happy and cheerful 24/7. If you or a loved one live with epilepsy, keep in mind that your feelings are valid, no matter what time of the year it is. Realize it is okay to take the time to express your feelings during the holiday season.
2. Ask for Help: If you are feeling overwhelmed with the tasks that always seem to pile up during the holiday season, don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help. Sharing tasks between friends and family can make planning holiday parties a lot smoother and will help you to destress.
3. Be Realistic: Don’t get too fixated on what you see on Pinterest or on social media. Maybe your stockings are hung crookedly, or your cookies are slightly burnt on the bottom, or your gift wrapping is misshapen. Not everything this holiday season has to be perfect and is more about spending time with friends and family. Letting go of perfection during the holiday season will work wonders on your stress levels.
4. Stick to A Budget: Much of the stress during the holiday season derives from money or financial problems. This is why it is important to set a budget for yourself and track what you spend. Stop once you reach your budget and you will be well on your way to a less stressful holiday season!
5. Practice Self-Care: Take some time to relax during the holiday season, whether you are reading a good book by the fireplace, going on a walk with friends or family, or practicing mindfulness or meditation. Practicing self-care is a great and easy way to destress during the holiday season.
6. Continue Your Healthy Habits: The holiday season is a time of parties and food and it can be easy to get carried away and overindulge. However, it is important to continue your healthy habits. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise a day, eat a variety of healthy foods and aim to get 8 hours of sleep a night. Just because it is the holiday season does not mean that your health should take a backburner!

“Tis the season to be jolly” can sometimes be easier said than done but with a little planning and our practical tips, you can minimize the stress that comes with the holiday season and cope with your epilepsy at the same time. Happy Holidays everyone!