Post at a glance:
- Why chronic pain often worsens during the holiday season and the common triggers that can lead to flare-ups.
- Simple, actionable strategies to protect your health and manage stress during travel, events, and busy schedules.
- 6 practical self-care habits to help reduce pain and support your body through the season.
- How planning ahead with rest, pacing, medication schedules, and support can make a big difference in how you feel.
- When to seek help from pain specialists and how Dallas Pain Institute in Sherman, Greenville & Rowlett, TX can support your relief and well-being.
If you are living with chronic pain, then the holidays may not be as happy and enjoyable for you because of the struggles that come with the added events, travel, cooking, and everything in between. You want to feel excited for this time of the year, but when reality sets in, the extra stress and schedule changes can really take a toll on your body. But we have some good news! Our pain doctors in Sherman, TX Greenville & Rowlett, at the Dallas Pain Institute, have some tips on how to protect your health and prevent flare-ups this season, so you can enjoy all this time of year has to offer.
Why Chronic Pain Can Worsen During the Holidays
Unfortunately, the holidays can create work that triggers flare-ups. You may not even realize or associate the following with what would be causing your pain to intensify:
- Extra stress and pressure that comes with figuring out what gifts to buy people, navigating family dynamics, money troubles, and scheduling conflicts.
- Spending more time on your feet from all the cooking, cleaning, shopping, traveling, and hosting.
- Cold weather can aggravate joint pain, arthritis, and nerve pain for many people.
- Lack of sleep from late nights or traveling across time zones.
Any of this sound familiar? It’s important to know what triggers you and your body.
Head Into the Holidays with a Plan
You can stay ahead of your flare-ups by making a few small changes in your plans and the way you approach the holidays this year:
- Don’t feel obligated to attend every event. You know which gatherings you actually want to go to and need to go to, so there’s no need to overdo it and put yourself in a situation you don’t want to be in. Keep it simple!
- Remember to rest. You never want to give up sleep, so try your best to keep a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
- Keep up with your medications and treatment schedule. Make sure you won’t run out of prescriptions during holiday closures. Set phone reminders so travel and parties don’t throw off your timing.
6 Self-Care Habits That Actually Help
You don’t have to completely change your life to feel better this season. Try these 6 self-care habits this season to make sure you feel your best:
#1. Move Your Body
Staying still and sitting all day can make chronic pain worse. Make it a goal for yourself to get in some light movement that feels doable to you and your body. Even just taking a short walk after a meal can help!
#2. Pace Yourself
You know it is never a good idea to overdo it and push yourself to your limit when dealing with chronic pain. Try:
- Splitting up your tasks across multiple days instead of cramming them into one.
- Asking for help with heavy lifting, decorating, or long cooking sessions. It’s more fun when you’re not having to do things alone anyway!
#3. Use Heat, Cold, and Comfort tools
- Use a heating pad, take a warm bath, or hot shower for stiff muscles and joints.
- Try ice packs for inflamed areas you notice after increased activity.
- Wear braces or compression sleeves if they have been recommended by your doctor.
#4. Keeping it Light in the Kitchen
Working in the kitchen can take a toll on anyone, especially someone dealing with chronic pain. We recommend:
- When starting on your holiday meal prep, break it up into days. For example, you could dedicate one day to chopping and organizing and then wait to cook everything the next day.
- Use a stool to sit while doing tasks at the counter.
- Ask your family and friends to be your “sous chefs” for lifting, stirring, or carrying.
#5. Travel Strategically
- Plan to stop and have stretch breaks during long car rides.
- Try using a neck pillow in the car or plane.
- Book aisle seats so you can stand and move more easily.
#6. Shop Smart
- Do as much shopping online as you can! Plus, there are more deals online than in store, so it’s a win-win.
- If you do choose to go shopping in person, go during less crowded times like early in the morning.
- Use curbside pickup when you can so all you have to do is drive up and have your order loaded in your car.
Chronic Pain Treatment in Sherman, Greenville & Rowlett, TX
Even with great self-care, there are times when you need backup from a pain management team. At the Dallas Pain Institute, we offer advanced treatment options to help get your pain under better control. We understand that the holidays will never be totally stress-free, but your pain doesn’t have to control you. If you’re ready to get a better handle on your pain during this season, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment:
Rowlett, TX: 7700 Lakeview Pkwy, Suite 300A, Rowlett, TX 75088. (469) 653-0222
Sherman, TX: 1001 E Sara Swamy Dr., Suite 220, Sherman, TX 75090. (903) 892-1999
Greenville, TX:4101 Wesley St., Suite K, Greenville, TX 75402. (469) 653-0222