The 2024 holiday season is officially here, and while the holiday season can be a joyful time filled with celebrations, it can also bring added stress. Unfortunately, all of that added stress can worsen symptoms of neurological conditions such as migraines, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Below, our team of experts at the Link Neuroscience Institute curated this list of strategies to help you navigate the holidays while managing your stress levels at the same time.
It’s no secret that stress packs a punch. Stress is a major trigger for many neurological issues. For instance, stress can increase the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, provoke seizures in individuals with epilepsy, and exacerbate symptoms of MS. Anxiety also tends to flare up when stress levels rise.
Factors like travel, crowded gatherings, disrupted routines, and financial pressures can increase stress levels and trigger symptoms during the holidays.
A little planning can go a long way in helping you enjoy the holiday season with minimal added stress. These five tips can help you plan for the holidays and manage stress levels.
Sleep, medications, exercise, and meals should all follow your regular schedule, even during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Avoid staying up too late or skipping meals as both of these deviations can trigger symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or seizures.
If needed, use the reminders app on your phone to set reminders for medication.
Holiday events can be unpredictable, so planning (and packing!) ahead can help reduce stress.
If you know you're attending a family gathering or traveling, prepare in advance by packing any medications, snacks, or assistive tools (e.g., adaptive spoons or spill-proof cups) that help manage your condition.
Be sure to bring enough medication for the length of your tip.
These tips are useful whether you’re heading one town over or visiting relatives out of state.
Bright lights, loud music, and large crowds can easily overwhelm anyone — especially individuals with neurological conditions. Lights, sounds, and feelings of anxiety can easily trigger migraines. Flashing lights can also trigger seizures in photosensitive people.
Try to limit exposure to overly stimulating environments by finding quiet spaces to retreat to when needed. Carry items like sunglasses or noise-canceling headphones if sensory overload is an issue.
If you’re stressed about the environment at an upcoming party, don’t hesitate to reach out to the host to address your concerns. For example, they may be able to change the light settings on their holiday displays and avoid flashing patterns.
Avoid cramming your schedule with get-together after get-together. Give yourself a break between outings to limit fatigue.
Overexertion can lead to worsening symptoms like muscle weakness in MS or increased seizure risk in epilepsy, so resist the temptation to stay up later than normal to celebrate with friends and family. Try to go to bed at the same time as usual and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
Rich holiday foods, sugary treats, and alcohol can trigger neurological symptoms like migraines in some individuals.
If you’re concerned about food or drink options at a party, bring your own food or festive non-alcoholic beverages. This can help alleviate stress from not knowing what to expect in regard to your dining options.
Dehydration can also exacerbate symptoms so bring a refillable water bottle with you.
Reminder: Some medications should be taken on an empty stomach so plan your meals accordingly. Don’t hesitate to ask your host when meals will be served so you can plan ahead.
Nothing’s more stressful than knowing you have guests coming over for dinner. Don’t wait until the last minute to start prepping for your guests. Start planning your dinner days in advance to give you plenty of non-rushed time to clean, prep, and cook.
Mark these mini-milestones in your calendar to know what to expect each day.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about your holiday plans, share your concerns with a friend or family member. Talk about what specifically is adding to your stress and brainstorm solutions that give you peace. For example, a potluck-style dinner might relieve stress if you’re the host.
If your symptoms worsen during the holiday season or you’re struggling to manage your condition (regardless of the season), don’t hesitate to visit us in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, or Camarillo, California. Our team of specialists can review your current treatment and make adjustments if needed.
If you’d like to speak with us as we head into the holiday season, click here to book an appointment or simply call the office most convenient to you.
