Surviving the Holidays with Lupus

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, can be frustrating, to say the least, especially during the holiday season. One characteristic of this disease is overwhelming tiredness. It is not the type of tiredness one feels after a hard day's work; it is the type of tiredness one feels after having been in bed with the flu for a week. Your energy is totally gone, and just walking from the bedroom to the kitchen is exhausting.

With Lupus, there is no relief from this tiredness, but there are ways to help cope. This article will give you some pointers and suggestions.

Don't expect too much of yourself.
If the house doesn't get cleaned, the cookies don't get baked, the decorations don't get put up - so what? It is not selfish to conserve what little energy you have.

Rest often.
Take mini breaks throughout the day. Close your eyes and deliberately remember times when you didn't feel so exhausted, perhaps on an enjoyable vacation in the past. You can trick your body into thinking all is well, even if just for a few minutes.

Take an afternoon nap, if possible.
It won't give you any renewed energy, but it will help you recuperate from your day thus far, and give you the stamina to face the rest of the day.

Shop on-line!
The Internet is one of the best energy savers ever invented! Trips to the mall are not only exhausting, the effects last for several days, so avoid them at all cost.

Ask for help.
Others don't feel as overwhelmed with tiredness as you do, and although you may feel you are imposing on them, the things that are exhausting for you are not exhausting for them. Often people want to help, but don't know what they can do for you, and are more than willing to be of assistance when you ask.

Keep in mind that no one comprehends how your tiredness makes you feel.
They may expect you to feel better "tomorrow." Be patient with them, but keep in mind that you are your number one priority, and if you don't feel better tomorrow, that's ok. Don't allow yourself to feel pressured into doing things you don't feel up to doing.

Listen to your body.
When it tells you to rest - rest! Even when it is inconvenient. You will pay the consequences of not listening to your body. Don't force yourself to keep on going.

Make dinner in the morning
Your energy level is the highest in the morning, and you will be totally exhausted by dinnertime, so do your cooking early in the day. Many types of meals can be prepared ahead of time, and then reheated.

Shower or bathe in the evening
There is something about a hot shower or bath that is energy zapping. By delegating it to the end of the day, you can lie down or go to bed immediately following it.

Get ample sleep
If you feel like going to bed early, then do so. Don't feel you need to stay up until "bedtime." Your body needs more rest that normal, so don't deprive it.

Lupus, a chronic disease, can ebb and flow. Yes, you may be overwhelmed with tiredness today, and probably will be tomorrow also, but it will eventually pass. Having had Lupus for over 40 years, there have been extended periods of time when I felt as though my body would be in a puddle on the floor if I didn't have my bones to hold it up. My energy was completely gone. During those times, it seemed like I'd never have any strength or stamina again. But, I kept an optimistic attitude, and to everyone's surprise, at about the 35-year point, I was actually able to hike in the Grand Canyon!

So, hang in there....this too shall pass.