Thanksgiving week is here. The holidays can be considered a stressful time of year for many of us - uncle Pete just loves to talk politics while passing the mashed potatoes or how am I going to find room for my cousin who tends to overstay his welcome? For those living with chronic medical illnesses, the holidays may mean trying to find the energy to go to Thanksgiving dinner, having to explain to Aunt Bethany why they can't eat the stuffing for the 12th time, or struggle to maintain conversation while experiencing nagging pain. It's enough to send the stress meter off the charts, and we may begin to lose it a little. Every year we know the holidays are coming, but every year we get stressed out. That doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, does it? Holiday stress may be inevitable, but the degree to which it hits us is really up to us. Here are 6 things you can do to help dial down that holiday stress meter this year: 1. Let Go of Perfectionism
If you're living with a chronic illness, you're in the right place.