This is the time of year where we try to give ourself a break, to rest and recuperate. This is especially true as many of us run ourselves ragged during the holiday season!

Even if you can manage to not do much, a flare can happen, chronic illness sadly doesn’t go away for the holidays. And sometimes when we give ourselves the permission to slow down, maybe for days at a time during the lull in the holiday season, we can actually get sick. It’s almost like our bodies are saying “Whoa! A break! Finally! Now we can recover properly” and then proceed to show us how much pressure and strain we have put our body through. Even though this happens I still believe this is a great time to slow down and give ourselves, and our bodies, some peace.

This doesn’t mean we don’t have to do anything, but maybe it means doing slow activities or adjusting. Movies, reading, and games are great. If you are in pain, choosing games with short rounds can be helpful so you can choose when to stop. Remember that sitting with a pillow on a chair can be helpful. Takeout or heat up meals or something simply like toast or nachos are great for this time of year. If you have decorations to put away, take it in stages. Also, if you have family to help you can still participate in this de-decorating. I sit on the couch and get handed ornaments to put into their respective boxes. I was quite surprised how efficient that went this year, one person took all the ornaments off and the other two put them in their packages. It was remarkably fast.

Feel free to hibernate at home and say “no” to activities. Many animals hibernate in the winter and so can we! There is something satisfying about this time of year as it is permission to do nothing.

As the New Year starts tomorrow let’s try to carry this restful feeling forward. Try not to be too hard on yourself about resolutions and such. There is nothing wrong about not having a resolution (I don’t!). Remember to be kind and that self-care is not selfish.

I do wish that this new year for you can be one filled with love—both for yourself and others, as well as hope, happiness, fun, and health.