Maintaining Quality of Life through Special Events and Holidays
Facing cancer can make celebrating holidays and special events feel daunting, but with thoughtful preparation and a focus on what truly matters, these occasions can still bring joy, connection, and a sense of normalcy. Whether you’re navigating treatment or recovery, here’s how to embrace the moments that make life meaningful while maintaining your well-being.
1. Focus on What Matters Most
When your energy is low, focus on what you care about most when it comes to your celebrations.
Important Traditions: Let go of any unnecessary obligations and spend time doing traditions and activities that matter to you.
Simplify Celebrations: Instead of trying to do things on a larger scale, look for meaningful moments that can include a special holiday meal or movie with loved ones.
Share Your Priorities: Let your family and others know what your celebrational objectives are.
2. Plan to Make Things Easy
A little planning can go a long way in making special occasions more enjoyable.
Schedule Wisely: Schedule events around your treatment plan and when you usually have more energy.
Bring Essentials: If you are traveling away from home, be sure to bring your medication, nutrition, and other items you might need that will make your trip comfortable.
Take Rest Breaks: Identify serene spaces where you can take a break if needed during your gatherings.
3. Adjust Activities to Fit Your Energy
You shouldn’t try to cram everything you want to do if you realistically don’t have the energy to do it. Prioritizing those traditions depending on your energy level will help you enjoy those activities more.
Celebrate in Phases: Spread out activities and events over several days to avoid fatigue.
Share the Load: Let others help with decorating, cooking, or organizing. Most people are hoping to have you ask them to help.
Go Virtual: Use technology like Zoom and other streaming to have an online holiday event if going in person is too much.
4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Holidays typically mean food, so it’s important to stay true to dietary needs and appetite relating to your cancer treatment.
Tell People about Your Dietary Needs: Let others know about any dietary restrictions or preferences so they know how to best accommodate you.
Enjoy Smaller Portions: Cancer may cause your appetite to diminish so adjust portion size to best fit your needs. You can still savor your favorite treats without exerting yourself.
Choose Gentle Foods: Opt for foods that are easy to digest and align with your treatment needs.
5. Reduce Stress
Holidays and special occasions tend to bring more stress and raise anxiety levels so it’s important to carefully manage your emotions.
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to share with trusted friends, family, or a counselor your emotions to see how they can support you.
Practice Mindfulness: Take time throughout the day to focus on your breathing or other calming activities to reduce stress.
Celebrate Your Strength: Stay positive and remember that you have strength.
6. Prioritize Connection
Holidays and special events are about spending time with family and friends.
Invite Loved Ones to Join: Invite your friends and family to do activities with you like decorating, cooking, playing games, or doing crafts.
Appreciate Simple Joys: Play games, listen to music together, enjoy a good movie, and share stories. Focusing on your connections will make the most of your activities.
Be Present: Spend time creating happy memories rather than worrying about the future.
7. Integrate Self-Care
Taking time for yourself is essential during busier times and will help you maintain your quality of life.
Pamper Yourself: Indulge in little luxuries like a warm bath, cozy blankets, or relaxing with a good book.
Stay Active: Gentle exercises like stretching, yoga, or walking can boost your mood and energy.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to activities or events that feel overwhelming.
8. Create New Traditions
If old traditions feel too challenging, this is a chance to try something new.
Host a Low-Key Gathering: A movie night or a small dinner party can be just as meaningful as a larger gathering.
Volunteer: Helping others is a great way to take the focus off of any worries and challenges you may have and can be fulfilling
Remember the Moment: Capture photos, and videos or capture your memories in a journal or scrapbook.
9. Accept Help
You don’t have to celebrate the holidays alone.
Let Others Help: Whether it’s decorating, preparing meals, planning activities, or just spending time together, allow others to give you support.
10. Celebrate Your Way
There’s no wrong or “right” way to enjoy holidays or special events. Do your best. Remember it’s about creating new moments that bring you happiness and fulfillment. Feel free to not only enjoy your favorite traditions but be open to discovering new ways to celebrate.
Quality of Life is Possible
Having cancer is simply challenging, but it doesn’t have to take away from one’s quality of life, including spending time with loved ones at special events or during the Holidays. By prioritizing your health, spending time with loved ones, and giving yourself leeway, you can still have wonderful and memorable experiences. Your quality of life is important especially if you or a loved one has cancer. One of the advantages of holistic, alternative cancer therapies is the limited impact on patients’ quality of life. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dayspring Cancer Clinic and talk with our licensed NMD, Dr. Andrew Dickens by calling 480-699-7400 today or visit us at https://www.dayspringcancerclinic.com/.