(Update so it’s specifically referring to NVCPC, give a quick thank you to patients at the end, and update for earlier in the week)
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!” – From A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is a perennial favorite and has been adapted dozens of times for movies and television. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge undergoes a life altering journey that helps him understand the true meaning of the holiday season.
If you’re dealing with pain this Christmas it can be difficult to put the pain aside and truly enjoy the parties and events happening all around you.
Here are some simple tips to reduce your holiday stress, which can help you stay mindful and, hopefully, help you control your discomfort.
- Listen to music. Your favorite holiday songs can relax you and put you in the mood for the season.
- Drink tea. While everyone else may be enjoying eggnog, hot cocoa, and mulled cider you may want to stick with black tea. Research has shown that it can induce relaxing feelings and the sugar in other drinks may exacerbate pain symptoms.
- Laugh well. The holidays are about family and friends, so make sure that you spend quality time with your loved ones. Tell family stories that make everyone laugh, enjoy the moments.
- Stay warm. Whether cuddling by the fire, or under a heated blanket, staying warm during this time of year can help reduce any joint pain or stiffness.
- Light candles. Aromatherapy can help you feel more relaxed and stress-free, which can in turn help manage your pain. Cinnamon, pine, and other decadent holiday scents are available this time of year.
This Christmas Eve, be mindful of the holiday and celebrate the season and all it has to offer.
We want to wish you a very merry Christmas Eve and a happy holiday season now through the New Year. We hope that your experience with the Nevada Comprehensive Pain Center can help you stay mindful and stress-free this Christmas and every holiday to come. Thank you for being a patient of ours and part of our community.
Image by EpSos.de via Flickr