We all know the holiday season can be mentally and emotionally difficult to get through in general. And, this year, we have a pandemic on top of all the other things we would normally be dealing with. Then, for some women, to add insult to injury, they are dealing with uterine fibroid symptoms during the holidays season and beyond, into January 2021.
By age 50, up to 80% of women will be living with fibroids. That means it’s likely that either you or someone close to you will be, or is, dealing with the effects of their fibroid symptoms right now.
Here are a few tips on trying to manage your physical and emotional well-being as we end 2020 and move into 2021.
Surviving The Holidays and Beyond
- Let people know about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Tell them it may be difficult for you to stay focused or be 100% present. And let them know that sometimes it may even be difficult for you to attend events, even virtually. These are things your friends and family may or may not understand. However, you should give them the opportunity to support you.
- The holidays season is notorious for throwing us off balance. We neglect self-care. You need to be vigilant about setting time aside every day for you — meditate, journal, nap, deep breathing, do your nails, put on a face mask or makeup, read, etc. — even if it is just 15 minutes. Write it into your planner. Schedule it on your shared calendar. Set a timer in your phone. Self-care is an important step in helping minimize your symptoms.
- It’s very tempting to eat more refined sugars and carbs or drink more than usual, but remember that certain foods can make symptoms worse. Enjoy yourself, but set limits. Honoring your body’s boundaries is critical to your overall well-being.
- If you don’t already have one, now is a great time to start journaling. It is likely you are feeling a number of emotions. Acknowledge these thoughts. Write them down. Take the time you need to work through and consider them, even if it means writing and coming back later.
- Seeking professional assistance can help you overcome some of the challenges — physically, mentally and emotionally — you may be facing. A therapist can help you work through difficult emotions. A fibroid specialist may be able to help you understand more of what may be going on with your body, even discuss options for treatment in the new year.
