10 ways to minimise MS stress this holiday season đ

The winter holidays (for most people) aren't the harmonious snow affairs like in the movies . And if it is, that doesnât happen by magic. Itâs hard work!
Here is some advice to help you thrive this holiday season.
1. Always rememeber that perfection is a myth!
The most important gift you can give to yourself and others is for you to be relaxed and feeling on top of things. Work out whatâs important to you and the people you (really) care about and focus on those things.
You canât please everyone so donât exhaust yourself trying to reach perfection.
2. Create a plan, but be kind to yourself if you donât stick to it
Make a plan for your holiday period of what you will do and when. This will help you work out what you can and canât fit in and how to plan activities around your needs.
Some days there might be things that you had planned to do that you just canât. Thatâs ok. You might feel disappointed, frustrated or guilty and thatâs natural too. Take some time to reflect on these feelings and try to do something that makes you feel good.
3. Use the Three Ds
This is borrowed from work-life productivity methodologies and helps you be more efficient.
Do
The holiday season is a time of joy and kindness. Be kind to yourself and prioritise doing things you love and make the holidays special. Of course there will be some unavoidable chores that you have to do but use the next two steps to minimise them...
Ditch
Be ruthless here. What could you not do at all? Since the pandemic started everythingâs upside down so you can make your own rules. Hate sending Christmas cards? Prefer ordering a pizza to making turkey? Guess what, you donât have to do it.
Delegate
Take advantage of the so-called season of goodwill. If youâve got family and friends you can rely on, ask them to help. It could be picking up gifts, dropping off food or having a movie afternoon with your kids so you can rest.
4. Take control of in-person socialising
Festive get-togethers can be challenging at the best of times. Layer on concerns about Covid and MS symptoms and it can all feel too much.
If you donât feel comfortable, or simply canât face going somewhere, you can politely decline the invitation. You donât have to explain yourself. We know that itâs easier said than done, but you are always your number one priority and the holidays donât change that.
5. Know itâs OK to not feel festive
Living with a chronic illness doesnât get easier just because itâs the holidays. It might feel even harder than normal, and emphasise feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Keep in mind, that most peopleâs holidays are like in the movies and you're not the only person lacking the 'festive spirit'.
6. Go easy on the food and drink
Ok ok, sorry to sound like your doctor but just be careful. Watch out for things that you know trigger your symptoms. Donât overdo it one day and end up paying for it for a couple of weeks to come.
7. Watch out for sensory overload
Enclosed spaces, frantic shoppers and Mariah Carey is a surefire way to . The medical name for this is sensory overload.
It can be triggered by lights, noise and unfamiliar environments⌠sounds like Christmas right?
Avoid the chaos by picking a quieter time to go to the shops. If youâre heading to a party, be aware of your triggers, and identify a quiet space to take a break if you need.
8. Visit the pharmacy and stock up if you need to
Make sure youâve got enough of your prescribed and over the counter medicines. The pharmacies arenât shut for long but just in case. Check your stock of things like painkillers, digestion medications and plasters.
Donât let your medication adherence slip either. Set yourself a reminder to take your medication if you might struggle to remember.
9. Check-in on yourself
Despite your best intentions you might find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Take time to recognise when this is happening. Then try and identify whatâs causing it and work out what steps you can take to feel better.
10. Be present and enjoy the small moments
There might be things we might not be able to do this Christmas but there will still be moments of joy. That might be eating a favourite treat, choosing a gift for a loved one or speaking to a friend or family.
UK mental health charity Mind has a whole load of information about coping with Christmas if it is a difficult time for you.