The Drop from Festivities

If you're anything like, me after the hype from the Christmas and New Year Festivities you seem to come down with one almighty bang. You're so busy preparing for the holidays you tend to forget everything else.

I am all for making life easier

I did notice this year that I struggled more with the cooking, and I seriously think that next year we may eat out on Christmas day. I am all for making life easier but also keeping active as much as possible. I will not stress over things that are difficult, rather, I'll make it easier. Stress will lead up to flare-ups of COPD.

Christmas went well but now I am overtired. The festive season is over and I'm just now getting back to normal. I need structure, a routine, and a plan of action in my life. Already a tinge of low as I've been so busy I've not had time to think. The weather will now get much colder which I struggle to breathe in. Praying we don't get snow as they never grit the side roads or pavements.

A fresh start and new beginnings

A New Year always brings a fresh start and new beginnings. We cannot wait - the second week in January brings our group, Healthy Lung Circuits, to the local gym. I'm praying the weather will be kind so I can attend. It's a great group. We all have different stages of COPD so we support each other and go at a pace we can all manage. Our instructor is trained in COPD so he is extremely aware of our needs. It's twice a week and in between, we can do other activities at the gym.

I found Tai Chi an excellent help in the form of gentle exercise, especially the stretching and bending. Plus you can also do some of it seated. A great way to make friends too. Where I live in the UK we get so much rain and the air is constantly damp which hinders me. So the shortest day has now gone and it's now forward-looking as the nights start to draw out.

It's so important to have structure

It's so important to have structure and something to look forward to. The buzz you get from exercising gives you that stimulating feeling of achievement and mentally you feel positive for achieving something positive. Remember to write a journal of what you have accomplished daily, and you can look back and see what you have achieved by gradually increasing your exercises.

It's not always possible to keep to your plans when living with COPD as each day can be different not just physically but mentally too. If you can't get to the gym or meet your friend for coffee, have a rest day - a day for yourself. Pick up a book and read or watch a film on the TV. Remember it's not that you failed, it's your illness and you're having a pamper day at home. Even healthy people have off days. Try not to come down with a bump after the festive season map out your days for a plan of action so you can focus ahead.

#thinkpositivebepositive

#thereslifeafteradiagnosis

Editor's Note: We are heartbroken to share that Debz passed away in October of 2021. She is deeply missed but her positivity and resilience live on through her articles. Thank you for everything, Debz.