Surviving the big "C"

No, this isn't a post about cancer.

How do you survive this holiday season with your Fibromyalgia or other chronic illness?
If you're anything like me, this season probably brings more people contact than you can handle, more intolerable foods that you have to eat and more flare-ups that you can count...so is there any way you can minimise this??

Here's my top five tips:

1. Plan, pre-plan and pre-pre-pre plan
If you love doing things like baking goodies, then there is no harm in starting to make them from November, to give yourself time to slowly make them, rest and then start again. There's nothing worse than having to push yourself to get it all done in the last minute.

2. Buy them early, wrap them slowly
Same goes for pressies.. Try to get your shopping done early. It also helps to do your shopping online, that way you can do it in your pj's with a heatpack to soothe your pain. If you can afford it, pay a little extra to have your presents sent wrapped. Or else, try to do one a day or two, if you can manage it. Christmas is no time to forget your mantra - pace, pace, pace.

3. Two kiwis and a lemon
If Christmas finds you eating a whole bunch of unhealthy or intolerant food, that leaves you bloated or heavy or constipated, try a home remedy. Make sure you have two kiwis atleast a day. I also find that soaking a slice of lemon in water not only makes a refreshing treat but also triggers your liver into cleansing your body. Plus, as an added bonus, they're fructose free!

4. Enjoy, even if only for the moment
Make sure you do enjoy yourself. Have a laugh. Chat to some family. Remember, you are not your illness. Sometimes, it helps to forget for a while and remember what life used to be like. Have some cake. Have a glass of wine.

5. Schedule some recovery time
This is possibly the most important one. Anticipate that the season is going to be tough on you. Plan some time doing something that helps your body recover afterwards, whether that's a warm bubble bath, a good cry, a long nap or anything else that comforts your body. You deserve it!


Do you have any other tips that have helped you in the past? That are helping you right now? Please do share.

Most of all, have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Love to you all.. xo