Spring has finally arrived! Though I still need to wear a sweater in the morning! With a few weeks to go until Easter, I’m sure most of us have already purchased chocolate bunnies, enjoyed some hot cross buns, and are getting everyone’s baskets ready. Then, of course, we color eggs (or maybe potatoes this year 🙃) to summon the Easter Bunny’s arrival—so many bright colors, and egg salad, of course, so much egg salad.

But like any other holiday during the year, they can be hectic and stressful, what with the family coming over, getting dinner on the table, or getting all of that last-minute shopping finished up. With a chronic illness, that stress can more than double and just mess with our bodies something fierce. If we weren’t in a flare before, we’ll likely get one during the aftermath of the holiday. So, I’ve compiled a few tips for surviving the Easter holiday when you’re living with a chronic illness.

Pace Yourself

This rule is the most important one of all, thus why it landed in the coveted number one spot. Even if it isn’t a holiday, pacing yourself is the best thing that you can do, every day. We know our bodies’ own limits. If we push ourselves, we are going to pay for it, hard. I think nearly every one of us has learned that the hard way already. If you have a list of tasks that absolutely have to be done, there are a few different ways that you can get them finished.

Break them down into smaller tasks if you can. Do a little bit at a time, and definitely don’t rush! Your time is your time. Maybe you can perform them over the course of a couple of days instead of all at once.

Ask For Help

There is absolutely no shame in asking for help from others. Think about it, everyone, at one point or another in their lives, is going to have to ask for help, so trust me when I say you’re not the only one who is asking. Prepping for holidays is a big challenge! If you have children, get them involved in the smaller tasks that need to get done (i.e. picking up toys, clothes, vacuuming, etc.).

Whether it’s help with cooking, decorating, or organizing an egg hunt, identify specific tasks you’d like assistance with. You can ask your friends or family to help you with these tasks. Give people a choice of tasks so they can pick what works best for them. You can help match them up to their strengths, like if someone wants to bake, and another wants to decorate – that works! Reach out early to those who are going to help, so they can plan accordingly.

Take Breaks Often

Take breaks, often. Personally, this is the way that I normally get things done. Chronic illness often comes with unpredictable symptoms, and pushing through without rest can really worsen fatigue, pain, or flare-ups. By incorporating regular breaks while you work, you allow your body time to recover, maintain balance, and prevent burnout. Perhaps you can only work five minutes at a time, that is okay! All of our bodies tolerate experiences and physical activity differently from one another. Maybe you need a longer break? That’s cool too. Take however long you need to! The point is, do whatever you can do for yourself to get the task at hand finished. Sit down, have a cup of tea, or a hot cross bun, and relax for a bit! Even if it takes six hours, it’s still getting done! Take your time. There is no rush.

Make Yourself A Priority

Everyone and everything else has to become secondary to taking care of yourself. I know that may sound selfish, but think about it for a moment. Not to sound harsh, but how will you help anybody else if you’re not faring well? Now, I’m not talking about inevitable medical emergencies or anything like that, I just mean that we have to take the steps to keep ourselves as well as we can possibly be. We have to avoid stress, take time for ourselves, and just be.

Holidays are notorious for bringing out the worst in people. Between the stress of putting the holiday celebration on, to getting everybody together under one roof, it’s a stress-filled time, of that there is no doubt. But the thing that you have to hold fast to when you’re visiting friends and family members during the holidays?

You are the most important person to take care of.

Now a big source of holiday stress generally comes from the anxiety of seeing family members and friends that we haven’t seen in a while. Many, we enjoy visiting with, talking, laughing, eating, and drinking late into the night. We have a wonderful time with them. Then, there are the others, those who aim to drain the life out of anyone or anything that they come in contact with. Constant complainers, nasty naggers, terrible taunters. You know what I’m talking about. From the second they walk through the door, things seem different. They don’t seem to care for anyone else’s feelings but their own.

If you have someone like this in your own family, you have a few choices. If you are hosting the holiday get-together, you can politely ask that family member to try and be a little more positive and explain to them that their negativity just gets you down. You could try to avoid them during the time they’re in your home, but that may prove to be tough.

Finally, if you know that you’ll just be miserable the entire time that they’re there, you can make the choice to not invite them to the gathering. It may seem hard-hearted, but if honestly talking to them about how you feel won’t work on them, then it all comes down to you taking care of yourself again. That is the ultimate goal that you have to always always keep in mind, no matter what.

Eat Nutritious (Somewhat!)

Yes, I put ‘somewhat.’ Holidays can be rough, mostly because of the incredible foods that are all around us. Salty goodness, sweet treats, delectably delicious dinners, it’s insane, you could go absolutely nuts when it comes to all of the scrumptious food that pops up when the holidays roll around.

Easter, for instance, we have chocolate bunnies, sugary coated marshmallow treats, and baskets filled to the brim, and overflowing with jellybeans and candies of every kind! Temptation is a real b*tch! 🤣

But we do have to keep ourselves in check, as far as mealtime goes. We’ve got to remember to stay hydrated and eat a balanced meal. Make sure you’re getting the proper nutrients and that you’re remembering to take all of your medications, too. Keep the treats in moderation (so…hard….) and you’ll keep your tummy and your body happy!

When It’s Over…..REST!

When all of the eggs have been found, and the chocolate bunnies have been devoured, and it’s finally over for another year, sit down.

Did you hear me? I want you to sit down. I want you to reflect on how well you did! We have to take pride in our achievements, no matter how small we may think they are. Reflect on the memories that were made, the fun that was had, and the overall success of the entire day. Once everyone has gone home, take the rest of the night off for yourself. Do something nice, for you. Read that book you haven’t picked up in a while! Make a steaming cup of chai tea and curl up under your favorite blanket. Take a hot bath with extra bubbles. Maybe even sneak a few stray Easter candies?! The point is, just do something for you. I promise you that the dishes can wait until tomorrow!

So, take care of yourself, don’t overdo it, and last but not least, have fun!

Jennifer has been a writer for over a decade, writing everything from blog posts to buying guides. She is the author of the 2015 book, “Positivity In Pain: Finding Joy & Happiness Despite Chronic Pain.” She has written primarily for parenting websites like What To Expect and Moms.com and currently writes for PassportHealth.com. She founded Positivity In Pain in 2008 after realizing there was a need for support and help online. Learn more about Jennifer on Our Contributors page!