6 Tips On How To Cope With The Holidays (When You Have Cerebral Palsy)

The holiday season is fast approaching, which means its that time of year where you get to together with family or friends. For someone like myself who has Cerebral Palsy this time of year can be a lot more challenging, as opposed to someone without a disability.

Although I enjoy getting together with my family during the holidays, It can be a difficult time for me. It can be overwhelming and cause feelings of being left out, which can make the holidays hard to deal with.

6 Tips To Get You Through The Holidays

I decided to write down and share the 6 tips that I use on how to cope with Cerebral Palsy during the holidays. These tips are by no means limited to someone with Cerebral Palsy, they may also be helpful to anyone who finds the holiday season hard to cope with

Try To Remain Positive During The Holidays

I understand that sometimes Cerebral Palsy, disability, and chronic illnesses can be a pain in the butt to deal with especially when you’ve been out socializing, visiting loved ones or doing activities that require you to move around more than you would normally. It can be exhausting, but you should try to have a positive attitude about your situation.

Spend Time With Friends

Sometimes having Cerebral palsy could make you feel lonely at times. It’s a good idea to spend time with friends that understand what you’re dealing with. I know from experience that hanging with my friends with Cerebral palsy helps me out a lot.  

Have A Plan For When You Feel Overwhelmed

The holidays could be an anxious time for many with chronic illnesses and disabilities. I especially begin to feel anxious about the idea of having to go on a vacation to see family, disrupting the day to day routine. To attempt to minimise the disruption and the potential feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious I pack all the things that help me when I’m feeling anxious, like my favorite movies to keep me calm.  

Express your emotions

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the holidays and your disability. Talk to your family or friends. Expressing what you are feeling, means that you could come up with a game plan to help get you through the holidays. You’re all in this together and maybe they’ll agree with you on certain things. 

Try To Relax

Listening to your favorite type of music might help to relax your body. For me listening to country music has always been my go-to when it comes to coping with situations with my Cerebral palsy. Listening to Blake Shelton’s Christmas album to help me escape from reality and it also helps me relax my muscles form the possible triggers I might face.   

Find Activities That Are Inclusive To All

Find activities that you can do that won’t cause you to feel left out! Believe it or not, there are many activities you can do with your friends and family that won’t cause you to feel left out. My favorite activities to do with my family is dancing to Spanish music and its something that I can do. 

Although having Cerebral Palsy may not be easy, I’m thankful for the experiences that it has given me and it the best gift I could ever receive this holiday season.

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