How To Let Go Of Holiday Guilt When You Have A Chronic Illness

The Disabled Diva is here to help you learn how to let go of holiday guilt when you have a chronic illness. Journal prompt included!

For many, the holiday season is filled with joy, but for those living with a chronic illness, it can be difficult to enjoy. The hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays and the pressure to keep up with family traditions can lead to feelings of guilt and overwhelm. However, it’s important to remember that letting go of holiday guilt is easier said than done. It requires understanding your illness and taking time to plan ahead. Here are three simple rules you can use to help you manage guilt while still celebrating the season.

Living with a chronic illness during the holiday season can be difficult. It's easy to feel guilty about not being able to do the things you used to, but it's important to try and let go of that guilt. These 3 simple rules can help you let go and make future holidays a little easier.
Living with a chronic illness during the holiday season can be difficult. It's easy to feel guilty about not being able to do the things you used to, but it's important to try and let go of that guilt. These 3 simple rules can help make future holidays a little easier.
Living with a chronic illness during the holiday season can be difficult. It's easy to feel guilty about not being able to do the things you used to, but it's important to try and let go of that guilt. These 3 simple rules can help make future holidays a little easier.

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Accept the Season of Your Chronic Life

Living with a chronic illness means that some years you may feel better than others. This is especially true during the holidays; don’t let this fact add to your holiday guilt! Instead, accept and adapt your chronic illness needs into your festive plans whenever possible. For instance, if you have limited energy levels this year due to your chronic illness, consider hosting smaller gatherings or even virtual get-togethers so that you don’t become too overwhelmed or exhausted by the festivities.

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Give What You Can Instead of What You Want

It can be easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and give more than you are financially or physically able to share. So, establish both spending and financial limits for yourself before going to any celebrations or gatherings. This will also help you stick to your budget so that you don’t find yourself in financial trouble after the holidays have passed.

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Whether you are newly diagnosed or love someone who is and want to know what life with arthritis is like or have been living with it for decades and are looking for hope and inspiration, Keeping It Real With Arthritis is the book for you! Over 100 arthritis patients from all over the world, including myself, share what it is like to live with arthritis. Order your copy today!

Embrace New Traditions or Allow for Flexibility

If certain activities are no longer an option due to your health condition, try something new! This could mean trying out a different family activity or modifying an existing tradition by making it easier on your body or mind. Regardless of whether it’s old or new, remember that adapting to new traditions is part of accepting life with a chronic illness – and that doesn’t make them any less special!

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How To Let Go Of Holiday Guilt Journal Prompt

Letting go of the guilt associated with practicing patience with a chronic illness can be hard, especially when it comes to holidays. While it may not feel possible to replicate the same traditions you had with your family in the past, you don’t have to completely abandon them either. Your cherished memories and shared joys from holidays past should not be forgotten or kept locked away.

Embrace what was possible this year and then reimagine traditions for future seasons. Get creative! Maybe try out a new holiday activity each year or hang onto treasured old ones in slightly different ways that fit everyone involved. Giving yourself something to look ahead to next year is also an excellent way to stay optimistic during difficult times.

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Final Thoughts On Letting Go of Holiday Guilt

As long as we follow these simple rules, we can release ourselves from holiday guilt while still enjoying our traditions and celebrating responsibly despite our chronic illnesses. Remember – let go of what didn’t happen this holiday season and delight in what did! It is possible for us to accept our current lives without feeling guilty about what we cannot change about our circumstances during this festive time of year. Here’s wishing all those who are living with chronic illnesses a happy holiday season!

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Published by Cynthia Covert

Diagnosed in 2001 with psoriasis, followed by fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, endometriosis, and later a botched hysterectomy turned her world upside down. Cynthia shares her experience, advice, and tips for how to make life with chronic pain easier and less painful.

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