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What tips do you have for managing stress over the holiday season?

The holidays can be a stressful time, especially when managing life with COPD. Share any helpful tips for managing holiday stress with fellow community members to support them during the holiday season!

  1. My best tip for the Christmas season is to delegate, pace and practice self care.
    Barbara (Site Moderator)

    1. Wonderful Christmas holiday to you too! I also live alone in a granny flat next to my daughter and son-in-law's house. When I have to go out I drink a stress / anxiety pill to keep calm, and that helps me with my breathing. I prefer to stay at home when they go out with the children, as I cannot walk far or keep up with them as I have trouble breathing. I however, enjoy being at home alone with my dog Roxy, my laptop and TV etc!

      1. i still cook a turkey but we have it on Sunday following TG. Everyone fixes their own sandwiches and we play games. I like it more than ever.

      2. Hi Laurie, and thanks for chiming in here. This sounds like a new and very practical approach to relieving some of the stress that can be associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.
        The fact that you enjoy it so much more (than the traditional celebration), makes it all the more worthwhile for you.
        We appreciate you sharing this with the community.
        All the best,
        Leon L (author/moderator)

    2. I have finally realized I can’t do everything. I shop online and avoid the stores. I’m grateful my husband is with me and helps out with food shopping. I used to bake trays of cookies for Christmas, but can’t anymore. I may bake one tray if I’m up to it. My life has changed but I have great support from my husband and sons. Happy holidays to all.

      1. Hi joia and thanks for posting how you deal with this condition around holiday time. Glad to hear you have such a strong support system from your family. Sometimes, that's all it takes to make all the difference! Keep up the good work and enjoy the holidays! Leon (site moderator)

    3. I am lucky now with Holidays, my son does all the cooking and even helps with clean up..

      1. Sounds like a good deal. 😀 I hope he's a good cook -- and that you have a great holiday together! -Melissa, copd team

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