Avoid the Chaos

Tomorrow is the official start of the holiday season. My neighbors are putting up their holiday lights before it gets too cold. The kids are off from school this week. The grocery store is buzzing with people buying food for their Thanksgiving feast. The truth is that this is the start of chaos.

Stress causes internal chaos. If you're facing a chronic or life-threatening illness inner chaos is detrimental to your health. I understand that there are things to do, presents to buy and meals to cook, but why sabotage your health. Have you ever considered the number of bacteria floating around while you shop? Did you know that some bacteria and viruses can live on hard surfaces for 24-48 hours?

Know your limits. Don't try and accomplish everything on one day. Develop a plan for your holiday experience so that you can lower your stress. Stress will compromise your immune system...is that something you can afford?

Be mindful of your physical and emotional resources. You can't be all things to all people. Don't try and act normal because following your diagnosis your life changed and there are certain limitations...please honor them.

Make the most of your holiday season by planning. Make the most of your holiday season by consciously breathing out the stress. Make them most of the holiday season by focusing on your relationships with family and friends. It is a time to be thankful so keep that front and center.