Chronic Illness Survivor Reveals Ways To Beat Holiday Stress

Research supports the idea that having a positive outlook can extend one’s life while stress on the other hand, is linked to six leading causes of death, according to a report issued by the American Psychological Association(APA): heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.

Individuals afflicted with chronic illness, and their caregivers are particularly vulnerable to stress especially during the demanding holiday season. The ailing economy and its impact has also become a contributing factor. According to an APA survey, 73% of Americans name money as the number one factor that affects their stress level.

Chris Tatevosian, author of Life Interrupted-It’s Not All About Me,a self-help memoir about living and coping with multiple sclerosis believes it’s vital to organize, orchestrate an delegate during the holidays. “In light of the forthcoming holiday season, the medical world affirms that living with MS or any chronic illness or disability can impact energy levels, and the ability to function is limited. More importantly the amount of energy and quality of functionality changes drastically from moment to moment, especially when we are stressed. Because it is impossible to know how we will be able to function on any given day, planning for holiday events is almost an impossibility. The holidays, sadly but true are extremely stressful for everyone, whether you are healthy, ailing or functioning as the caregiver. Conserving your already compromised supply of energy becomes vital, because exceeding one’s allotted energy does not mean our bodies just slow down. On the contrary, it completely shuts down, and when that happens ,the last place one wants to be is in the presence of a crowd of holiday revelers,” he said.

He went on to say, “I suggest letting friends and family plan and host the holiday happenings. You only have so much energy and it must be conserved, because the result of exceeding our already compromised energy allotment can be as we know from past experience both physically and emotionally ugly. I know, you are like me and you want, no you need to be involved. You’ve always been the leader, the planner, Mrs. or Mr. Holiday. Well, guess what? Life has thrown us a curve and we have to make an adjustment or two.”

“Perhaps you can still be the holiday guru you desire. Perhaps you can organize, orchestrate an delegate. What I mean is you may no longer have the energy, manual dexterity or what ever it takes to put on a holiday party at your house, but you can still put on a festive holiday gathering or party.”

For more information, visit: http://www.lifeinterrupted-nolonger.com

About the Author:
Jackie O’Neal has been a part of Women’s Online Magazine’s editorial department since June 2007. As the news editor of Women’s Online Magazine she came in contact with entrepreneurs from a variety of industries that were eager to keep their profiles high in the marketplace. She launched O’Neal Media Group, a public relations consultancy that works with small business and non-profits.

© 2009. This article was excerpted with permission from Jackie O’Neal http://onealmediagroup.presskit247.com. Permission to reprint is granted by the author. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Jackie O’Neal from http://onealmediagroup.presskit247.com. Originally published in www.WomensOnlineMagazine.com, December 2009.

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions reflected in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect on the publisher, editor, or editorial staff of Women’s Online Magazine. This article has been written and reviewed by the author. Any errors should be brought to the attention of the author

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